Croatia needs a reboot with many ageing players in the squad, however the squad hasn’t changed much after the dismal display at the Euro 2024. Meanwhile the hosts have several young talents at this disposal, and they look good on paper with or without Ronaldo.
This is the main reason for to back Portugal to win here with goals expected at both ends. The best bet in my opinion is the over 2.5 goals priced at 2.10 odds since their last 3 h2h meetings produced the same.
Also it is worth noting that Portugal suffered their first ever defeat to Croatia when they met in June this year, after a 6 match unbeaten streak with 5 wins and 1 draw.
The inaugural winner of the Nations league will kickstart their fourth tournament edition with a clash against the most recent runner ups Croatia with both sides aiming for maximum point.
Portugal enjoyed a phenomenal Euro group stage campaign before being ousted by France on penalties in the quarterfinals. A home advantage fuels their determination to claim all three points in this encounter.
On the other hand, Croatia is winless in its previous three matches after a disastrous Euro tournament. They seek to rewrite history after losing on penalties to Spain in the last edition of this tournament.
Croatia triumphed 2-1 in the two teams’ last meeting in a Club friendly. However, Portugal has won three and drawn one of the last five encounters.
Cristiano Ronaldo is anticipated to lead the attack for the Selecao following an excellent start of the season with four goals in the last four appearances for Al Nassr while Croatia will be without Marcelo Brozovic and Domagoj Vida, who have both retired from international football.
