Croatia vs Portugal: UEFA Nations League Group A1 Live Updates
Preview
Croatia and Portugal square off in a highly-anticipated UEFA Nations League Group A1 clash on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at the Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia. Croatia had a disappointing start to their Nations League campaign with a 3-0 away loss to Austria, while Portugal began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Spain. Both teams will be eager to pick up their first win of the tournament and move up the Group A1 standings.
Croatia
Croatia will be looking to bounce back from their opening day defeat and put in a strong performance in front of their home crowd. The 2018 World Cup finalists have a talented squad with plenty of experience at the international level. Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic form a formidable midfield trio, while Ivan Perisic and Ante Rebic provide attacking threat from the wings. Croatia will be confident of getting a positive result against Portugal, especially after their impressive showing at the World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals.
Portugal
Portugal will be hoping to build on their positive start to the Nations League campaign and secure their first win of the tournament. The reigning European champions have a wealth of quality in their squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes. Portugal will be looking to Ronaldo to inspire them to victory, as the Manchester United forward will be eager to add to his record-breaking international goal tally. Portugal will be confident of getting a result against Croatia, especially after their impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Team News
- Croatia: Josko Gvardiol is suspended for this match, while Nikola Vlasic is a doubt with a knock.
- Portugal: Joao Cancelo is suspended for this match, while Ruben Dias and Diogo Jota are both out injured.
Predicted Lineups
Croatia: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Sutalo, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Perisic, Kramaric, Rebic Portugal: Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Danilo, Guerreiro; Neves, Carvalho, Fernandes; Silva, Ronaldo, FelixHead-to-Head Record
The two sides have met on eight previous occasions, with Portugal holding the advantage with four wins to Croatia's two. The two sides drew their most recent encounter, a friendly match in 2021, which finished 0-0.
Match Odds
- Croatia to win: 2.75
- Draw: 3.20
- Portugal to win: 2.60