As the top contenders for the top spots in League A Group 1, Portugal and Croatia are set to start their UEFA Nations League campaigns on Thursday. The match will be held at Estadio da Luz, where their previous encounter in the competition four years ago saw a total of 10 goals scored across two games.
After a challenging Euro 2024 campaign that ended in quarter-final disappointment, following a similar fate at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Portugal is eager to move past these setbacks. Their summer ended with a penalty shootout loss to France, a tournament marked by Pepe’s farewell and Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional moments.
While Pepe has retired, Ronaldo remains committed to representing his country, with head coach Roberto Martinez including him in the squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures.
Portugal vs. Croatia: Stats & Head-to-Head
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Portugal aims to make a strong comeback in a tournament they won in 2019. They finished second to Spain in the last Nations League, missing out on the finals, which Spain eventually won before securing further success at the Euros.
Portugal will be looking to secure maximum points from their home matches, including Sunday’s clash with Scotland. Even finishing second in Group 1 will ensure a place in the quarter-finals, thanks to the expanded format of the Nations League. Croatia, too, will advance by finishing in the top two, with Poland and Scotland seen as the less likely to progress.
Following their disappointing Euros campaign, Croatia will be determined to avoid complacency. They aim to surpass their 2023 performance, where they lost to Spain in the final. Luka Modric continues his international career, mirroring Ronaldo’s extended tenure. Croatia’s immediate goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but winning this Nations League could also be a significant motivation.
Team News
Martinez has refreshed the Portugal squad, introducing newcomers Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos while dropping Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, and Francisco Conceicao.
Quenda, a 17-year-old Sporting winger, has only four senior appearances, while Veiga recently joined Chelsea. Lille full-back Santos is also in line for a debut. Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao, and goalkeeper Rui Silva are recalled, with Ronaldo expected to lead the attack for Portugal.
For Croatia, the absence of key players Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic is notable, and Ivan Perisic remains in the squad despite being without a club. Injuries have ruled out Lovro Majer, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic for both Thursday’s game and Sunday’s match against Poland, with Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car also a doubt.
Given their defensive shortages, Dalic might consider using Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, or even winger Marko Pjaca at right-back.
Portugal vs. Croatia: Probable Starting XI
Portugal: Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
Croatia: Livakovic; Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
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