Portugal won the UEFA Nations League a year ago. They then topped their qualification group with thirteen points from six qualifying matches. However, they started the World Cup by opening the scoring but only managing a draw against DR Congo. Even after a convincing win over Uzbekistan, with Ronaldo scoring twice, they played out a 0-0 draw with Colombia.
Croatia, after failing to progress from their group at the Euros, showed an almost perfect result in qualification, earning 22 points from eight matches. At the World Cup, they lost 2-4 to England, but then narrowly defeated both Panama and Ghana.
Ronaldo and his teammates score an average of 2.3 goals per game but concede 0.8. Dalic’s side has a less favorable ratio—scoring 1.9 goals on average while conceding 1.5 per match.
Previous Matches: Portugal vs Croatia
Portugal have won three of their last five encounters, losing one.
Roberto Martinez’s side are expected to win. However, we anticipate a pragmatic game from both teams and suggest betting on “total under 2.5 goals” (odds – 1.72).
Portugal vs Croatia: Key Statistics and Trends
Portugal have drawn twice in their last three matches
50% of Portugal’s matches end with both teams scoring and have an average total of 3.1 goals per match
Croatia have won three of their last four games
70% of Croatia’s matches end with both teams scoring and have an average total of 3.4 goals per match
Portugal vs Croatia: Possible Starting Lineups
Portugal are expected to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Diogo Costa – Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo – Vitinha, Ruben Neves – Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto – Cristiano Ronaldo
Croatia are also expected to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Livakovic – Pongracic, Sutalo, Stanisic, Perisic – Kovacic, Modric – Baturina, Sucic, Vlasic – Budimir.
