Portugal vs Croatia prediction and betting tips on September 5, 2024
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Game Prediction
On September 5, 2024, in the first round of the UEFA Nations League, Portugal and Croatia will clash. As the clear favorites in their group, both teams will aim to start with a strong result against a direct competitor.
Portugal vs Croatia: Key Statistics and Trends
- Portugal has not scored or won in their last three matches.
- Croatia exited the Euro without securing a single victory.
- Portugal wins the first half in 56% of their matches, while Croatia wins it in 46% of theirs.
Free prediction today for the match: Portugal vs Croatia
The "Seleção" parted ways with Fernando Santos after their World Cup quarterfinal exit to Morocco, despite his past successes, including victories in the Euro and Nations League. The new coach, Roberto Martínez, delivered a perfect record in the qualifiers with his new squad, although there were some setbacks in 2024 friendlies. Meanwhile, Zlatko Dalić has become Croatia's most successful coach, leading the "Checkered Ones" to second place at the 2018 World Cup, bronze in Qatar, and a Nations League final. His team qualified for the Euro without any issues.
However, in Germany, Croatia was one of the biggest disappointments. They were thrashed by Spain in their opener and failed to hold onto leads against Albania and Italy, ending in draws and ultimately getting eliminated. As for Portugal, despite Ronaldo's efforts, his performances didn't translate into goals. After starting with two wins, they lost 0-2 to Georgia in a match that held no significance. They advanced past Slovenia in the first playoff round on penalties after a 0-0 draw but couldn't replicate that against France, who were more composed in the shootout.
After the tournament, Pepe retired from the national team, while Modrić continues to play (as does Ronaldo), unlike Vida and Brozović. Croatia also has several injuries, including Juranović, Vlašić, and Stanišić.
Portugal vs Croatia: Possible Starting Lineups
Portugal (possible lineup): Diogo Costa – Mendes, António Silva, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo – Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão – Ronaldo
Croatia (possible lineup): Livaković – Gvardiol, Pongračić, Šutalo, Stanišić – Kovačić, Majer, Modrić – Pašalić, Kramarić, Sučić
Head to Head matches: Portugal vs Croatia
The "Seleção" has won five of their first seven encounters, with two draws, but lost at home to the "Checkered Ones" just before the Euro.
Free prediction today for the match: Portugal vs Croatia
Everyone expects a confident victory from Ronaldo and his teammates. However, it's important to remember that Modrić and his team faced significant misfortune at the Euro, including late equalizers like the one scored by Italy. Therefore, betting on the visitors with a "+1 goal" handicap (odds – 1.83) seems wise.