Portugal vs Croatia Prediction, Preview, Team News and More | International Friendlies 2024
International football is back in action with a friendly encounter between two formidable European forces this weekend as Croatia take on an impressive Portugal side at the Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor on Saturday. Both teams can pack a punch on their day and will be determined to win this game.
Portugal have fought their way into Euro 2024 and have grown in stature in recent months. The Iberian giants eased past Finland by a comfortable 4-2 scoreline in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this weekend.
Croatia, on the other hand, have finished in second place in the Euro qualification standings and have been inconsistent over the past year. The away side defeated North Macedonia by a 3-0 scoreline this week and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
Portugal vs Croatia Head-to-Head
Portugal have an excellent historical record against Croatia and have won six out of the seven matches between the two teams. Croatia have never defeated Portugal in an official encounter on the international stage and will look to try and change that in this fixture.
Portugal form guide: W-L-W-W-W
Croatia form guide: W-W-W-W-W
Portugal vs Croatia Team News
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo was not involved in Portugal's victory against Finland but will likely be included in the squad for this game. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva did not start against Finland and are set to be included in the starting lineup on Saturday.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Unavailable: None
Croatia
Josko Gvardiol did not play a part against North Macedonia but should be back in the starting lineup this weekend. Croatia are unlikely to make drastic changes to their team for this clash.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Unavailable: None
Portugal vs Croatia Predicted XI
Portugal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Costa; Dalot, Antonio Silva, Dias, Cancelo; Fernandes, Palhinha, Bernardo; Jota, Ronaldo, Leao
Croatia Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Juranovic, Vida, Gvardiol, Sosa; Baturina, Kovacic; Majer, Kramaric, Perisic; Petkovic
Portugal vs Croatia Prediction
Portugal have a stellar squad at their disposal but have flattered to deceive on several occasions in the past. The likes of Rafael Leao and Cristiano Ronaldo can be unstoppable on their day and will look to make their mark this week.
Croatia are in the midst of a transition at the moment and have a point to prove in the coming months. Portugal are the better team and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia