Portugal vs Croatia Prediction & Betting Tips (5 September)

Present in the Nations League A during the previous edition, Portugal put up a good battle to reach the Final 4 but ultimately had to settle for 2nd place in group 2 with a small point behind the future winner, the 'Spain. Subsequently, Cristiano Ronaldo's partners were beaten by Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup before easily qualifying for Euro 2024. Arriving with full ambitions this summer in Germany, they secured 1st place in their group which included Turkey, Georgia and the Czech Republic. Portugal then had all the trouble in the world to dismiss Slovenia in the 8th 0-0, qualification following penalties before falling against France in the quarter 0-0, elimination following penalties. On view during the last Nations League, Croatia created a little surprise by taking the lead in group 1 ahead of Denmark, France and Austria. Qualified for the Final 4, the checkered selection then dismissed the Netherlands in the semi before losing against Spain in the final.

Between the group stage and this Final 4, Croatia managed to reach the last four of the 2022 World Cup, beaten by Argentina. Subsequently, Luka Modric's teammates punched their ticket for Euro 2024 which was played last summer. Unfortunately, they showed serious limitations. 3rd in its group ahead of Albania but behind Spain and Italy, an aging Croatia failed to qualify for the round of 16.

For Portugal, it should be noted the absence of legendary defender Pepe who retired at the age of 41 after Euro 2024. In addition, striker Gonçalo Ramos was injured with PSG and must therefore forfeit. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo is still on the field and he appears in Roberto Martinez's list for this September gathering. The other executives are also present. We are thinking in particular of defenders Ruben Dias (Man City) and Nuno Mendes (PSG), midfielders Vitinha (PSG), Bernardo Silva (Man City) and Bruno Fernandes (Man United) and winger Rafael Leao (AC Milan). Ligue 1 residents Tiago Santos (Lille) and Joao Neves (PSG) are also called up.

As for Croatia, we should mention the injuries to defenders Erlic (Bologna), Stanisic (Bayern Munich) and Juranovic (Union Berlin) as well as attacking midfielder Vlasic (Torino). In addition, the experienced midfielder Brozovic (Al Nassr) retired internationally after Euro 2024. Despite his 38 years, Luka Modric (Real Madrid) continues to respond to his coach's summons. The captains Livakovic (Fenerbahce), Gvardiol (Man City), Kovacic (Man City) and Kramaric (Hoffenheim) are also present. This is also the case for Ligue 1 acquaintances Caleta-Car (Lyon), Pasalic (Atalanta) and Majer (Wolfsburg).