Croatia vs Portugal Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Croatia have been inconsistent for the last few years as they prepare to round off the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League campaign against an unpredictable Portuguese side in Zagreb.

Kick-off date/time: Monday 18th November, 2024: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 2:45pm / US PT – 11:45am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – FOX Sports

How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – FOX Sports streaming platforms

Croatia Preview: Croat chaos

Croatia, still coached by Zlatko Dalic, have quite an ageing squad that has evolved but remains probably too similar to the versions that reached the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Croatians come into this one on the back of suffering a slender 1-0 defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Friday with Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn scoring an 86th minute winner for the Tartan Army.

Portugal Preview: Unpredictable Portugal

Roberto Martinez’ Portugal were awful to watch at UEFA EURO 2024 before losing to France on penalties in the quarter-finals after 120 goalless minutes and one of the most tedious games of football you are likely to ever see.

The Selecao remain unconvincing, as shown by a goalless draw against Scotland at Hampden Park last month, and it took them 59 minutes to break the deadlock against Poland the other day before eventually producing a 5-1 hamering.

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Croatia Team News: Sucic suspension

21-year-old attacking midfielder Petar Sucic is unavailable due to suspension for Croatia for this one after he was sent off before half-time against Scotland the other day.

PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Kotarski; Jakic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; L. Sucic, Pasalic, Baturina; Kramaric

UNAVAILABLE: L. Sucic (Suspended)

QUESTIONABLE: 

Portugal Team News: Midfield injuries

Several midfield injuries have blighted the Portuguese this week with Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes and Pedro Goncalves having all withdrawn from this international break.

PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Diogo Dalot, A. Silva, Veiga, Mendes; J. Neves, B. Silva; Neto, Fernandes, Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo

UNAVAILABLE: Joao Palhinha (Injured), Nunes (Injured), Goncalves (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE:

Croatia vs Portugal Prediction

Croatia will try and take the game to Portugal due to their home advantage and they have often found a way to hurt anyone they face despite a general lack of cohesion under the management of Dalic at both ends of the pitch. Portugal have an abundance of talent at the moment with Cristiano Ronaldo still scoring goals despite his presence potentially hurting the Portuguese on the bigger stage as shown at UEFA EURO 2024. 

Croatia vs Portugal Tip: Both teams to score