Croatia vs Portugal: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Portugal’s recent form, accompanied by their standing in the group, should be enough to overcome a Croatia side who are still reeling from the late defeat against Scotland at Hampden Park.

Portugal are heading into this game having not lost in their previous five in all competitions, and the hosts have won three of the last four meetings between the two teams. Croatia are without a clean sheet in their previous three and have shown defensive frailties in conceding first in four of their last five.

In this fixture, neither side has kept a clean sheet in the last five meetings, and both teams have scored in the previous five meetings between the two teams. Interestingly, Over 2.5 goals have also been scored in four of the last five meetings between the two sides.

That being said, Portugal should be the favourites for his game. The visitors have the attacking options to pose a considerable threat to a side who have been conceding as of late. We predict a 3-1 win over Croatia for Portugal.

Croatia 1-3 Portugal

The final Nations League game takes place during this international break, as stages for the next phase of the competition will be confirmed. A meeting between the top two in Group 1 of League A, as Croatia hosts Portugal.

Date: 18/11/2024
Location: Stadion Poljud
Kick-Off: 7.45 pm

The top two in Group 1 already know where their fate lies after five games played and merely this game should be a formality. Portugal’s spot into the quarter-finals is already confirmed, but Roberto Martinez will be keen to ensure his side remains unbeaten for confidence purposes. Croatia, on the other hand are mathematically secured also, despite the three-point gap that Poland can still gain on Croatia. The hosts for this game, have a superior head-to-head record over Poland which is used as a primary in determining points separation.

Croatia began their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 defeat to their visitors for this game, and they quickly recovered to secure two consecutive victories over Poland and Scotland to ensure their progress into the quarter-final phase. Having beaten Poland and gaining a draw against Poland, they will have the advantage over the third-placed team. There is a scenario where should Scotland beat Poland and Croatia lose, Scotland could snatch second place.

Portugal have been nothing short of exemplary in this competition, having recorded 13 points from 15 on offer this campaign. The visitors began their campaign with three consecutive wins over Croatia, Scotland and Poland - before a frustrating draw in Hampden Park foiled any chances of maintaining a 100% record for Roberto Martinez.

The game will be available on the Viaplay International YouTube channel.

Predicted Croatia Eleven: Labrovic; Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, Sosa; Baturina, Kramaric; Matanovic

Predicted Portugal Eleven: Diogo Costa; Dalot, Antonio Silva, Araujo, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Bernardo; Neto, Ronaldo, Leao

The recent history between these two countries would suggest that the group leaders, Portugal, will have a considerable advantage heading into this game. The visitors for this game have won three of the previous five meetings between the two teams, only drawing once and losing once to their Croatian counterparts. In this fixture, neither side has kept a clean sheet in the last five meetings, and both teams have scored in the previous five meetings between the two teams.

Croatia are entering this game with mixed form overall, with the hosts winning twice in their previous five games in all competitions, drawing once and losing twice - one of which was the reverse fixture against Portugal on the opening matchday of the Nations League. At home, Croatia have a very good record, excluding the European Championships. Croatia have won four of their prevous five on home soil, with their most recent defeat taking place last year against Turkey in qualification for the European Championships.

In their most recent home fixture, Croatia were 2-1 winners over Scotland despite going a goal behind against Steve Clarke’s side. Goals from Igor Matanovic and Andrej Kramaric cancelled out Ryan Christie’s opener. Scotland secured revenge over Croatia, in Croatia’s most recent game in this competition.
Portugal are looking to end the competition unbeaten before they progress into the next phase of the Nations League.

The visitors have won four and drawn one of their five Nations League games this campaign - including recording the 2-1 victory the last time these two teams met. Excluding the European Championships. Portugal’s away form has been rather impressive, with six wins from eight on their travels - including impressive wins over Poland and Slovakia.

In their most recent game, Portugal recorded an emphatic victory over Poland in which a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo helped secure the win. Bruno Fernandes also shone in that game with a magnificent effort from 22 yards. Portugal’s recent away match saw them frustrated at Hampden Park as Scotland held on for a 0-0 draw.