Game Preview: Portugal vs Croatia – UEFA Nations League
Portugal and Croatia face off in the UEFA Nations League, with both teams aiming to recover from disappointing results in Euro 2024. Portugal has shown strong attacking power, while Croatia has been inconsistent but remains dangerous. With high stakes in the Nations League, this match promises to be competitive and potentially high-scoring.
Key Stats & Insights
- Portugal have scored 2 or more goals in 9 of their last 10 home matches.
- In 9 of the last 10 Portugal home games, there have been over 2.5 goals.
- Croatia have seen over 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 10 away matches.
- Both teams have scored in 5 of their last 6 meetings.
- Croatia has conceded 2 or more goals in 6 of their last 10 away matches.
Team Form and Performance
Portugal:
- Recent form: WWWLDD
Portugal’s recent form has been solid, with their Euro 2024 campaign ending in a tough quarter-final loss to France on penalties. The Portuguese have shown strength in attack, averaging 3.2 goals per game in their last 10 competitive matches. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead the team, with strong support from Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. Defensively, they’ve been more vulnerable, conceding in 5 of their last 10 matches.
Croatia:
- Recent form: WWWLDD
Croatia exited Euro 2024 after a series of draws, including a 1-1 result against Italy. Zlatko Dalic’s team has struggled to maintain defensive solidity, particularly away from home, where they have conceded 2 or more goals in 6 of their last 10 matches. However, Croatia’s attack, led by Luka Modric and Andrej Kramaric, remains potent and capable of troubling Portugal’s defense.
Head-to-Head Records
- Previous 6 Matches: Portugal have dominated, winning 4 matches, while Croatia has only managed 1 win.
- Last Meeting: Croatia won 2-1 in a friendly just before Euro 2024, marking their first win against Portugal since 2013.
Player Form and Availability
Portugal:
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer with 130 international goals, remains key to their attack. Bruno Fernandes has contributed both goals and assists, with 6 assists in the last 10 games. The Portuguese squad is fully fit, with no injury concerns ahead of this match.
Croatia:
Andrej Kramaric leads the line with 4 goals in Croatia’s last 10 competitive games. Luka Modric, despite his age, continues to be the driving force in midfield, both scoring and creating chances. Croatia also has no major injury issues heading into the match.
Predicted Lineups
Portugal (4-2-3-1):
Diogo Costa; Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes; Joao Palhinha, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Croatia (4-3-3):
Dominik Livakovic; Marin Pongracic, Josip Sutalo, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Sucic; Mario Pasalic, Andrej Kramaric, Luka Ivanusec.
Market Analysis (Odds)
- Portugal to Win: 1.53 (67% implied probability)
- Croatia to Win: 6.00
- Draw: 4.00
- Over 2.5 Goals: -116
Check the latest odds at our trusted sportsbooks in India:
Predictions
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Final Score Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia
Portugal’s attacking depth should give them the edge in this match, but Croatia’s quality in midfield and attack means they’re likely to find the net as well. -
Best Bets:
- Over 2.5 Goals @ -116
- Both Teams to Score (Yes) @ 1.80
- Portugal to Win @ 1.53