Portugal vs. Croatia: A Nations League Clash of Giants
Portugal, one of the UEFA Euro 2024 favorites, will look to bounce back from their quarterfinal exit against France when they host Croatia in the opening match of Group A1 in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.
Croatia, the runners-up of the previous Nations League edition, also had a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, failing to advance from the group stage.
Team News
Portugal has a youthful squad for the Nations League, with Roberto Martinez including young talents like Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos. Veterans like Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, and Francisco Conceicao have been dropped.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the Portuguese attack, supported by Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao, and Rui Silva.
Croatia is dealing with multiple injuries and absences. Lovro Majer, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic are out, while Duje Caleta-Car is a doubt. Additionally, veterans Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic have retired.
Zlatko Dalic may need to field Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, or even winger Marko Pjaca at right-back due to the lack of defensive personnel.
Portugal Predicted XI: Costa (GK), Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes, Palhinha, Vitinha, B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao, Ronaldo
Croatia Predicted XI: Livakovic (GK), Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
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