Portugal vs Croatia - prediction, team news, lineups

Portugal and Croatia go head-to-head at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica this Thursday in the UEFA Nations League. Portugal, who have already won this tournament, mark their 5th participation in the competition, whilst Croatia go into their 5th. The match will be broadcast live at 14:45 on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

After facing France in European Championship, Portugal turn their attention to the UEFA Nations League where they challenge Croatia. A look back at the history books shows that the portugueses and Croatia's national team have faced each other eight times, with Portugal's national team holding the advantage: 6 victories, against 1 victory of Croatia. Specifically in the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Portugal have the advantage in the duels against Croatia's national team: 2 wins in 4 games. Croatia have 1 win.

In the UEFA Nations League, there have been two games played between the two teams, with Portugal winning them all.

Looking into the history of Portugal in the competition, Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as their best scorer of all time, with 7 goals in total, which has given him the eighth position in the UEFA Nations League top scorers. Bernardo Silva excels as their most used player, with 17 games in total. Regarding the history of Croatia in the competition, Nikola Vlasic excels as their most used player, with 16 games in total.

The last meeting between the two teams ended with Croatia winning 2-1. Portugal are given the favouritism to win this match.

Last starting XIs

Portugal ( vs France 2024-07-05): Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes, João Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão

Croatia ( vs Italy 2024-06-24): Dominik Livakovic, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Josip Sutalo, Josko Gvardiol, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Luka Sucic, Andrej Kramaric, Mario Pasalic

Predicted starting XIs

Portugal: Diogo Costa, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes, João Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão

Croatia: Dominik Livakovic, Josip Stanisic, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Luka Modric, Luka Sucic, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic