Portugal vs Croatia
International Friendly, KO: 17:45 Jun 8, 2024, Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor
FEW teams are heading into Euro 2024 in better form than Portugal but this friendly with World Cup semi-finalists Croatia will give us a better understanding of what shape they're in.
Roberto Martinez's men breezed through qualifying by winning every game and will fancy their chances of repeating their Euros triumph in 2016.
The Portuguese eased to a 4-2 friendly win over Finland in midweek, bringing up one of Tuesday's Super Singles in the process.
That kept the momentum going and if they can rack up another win against a higher standard of opposition it will leave them in great shape heading to Germany for a title at glory.
Despite blazing a trail to another major semi-final at Qatar 2022, Croatia don't look ready to rule Europe with an ageing squad that's losing its lustre.
But they did manage to beat North Macedonia 3-0 on Monday and if they can manage another victory against Portugal it will be a big boost to their confidence heading to Germany.
How the bookies view it: Red-hot Portugal the favourites
With the Portuguese on such an impressive run of results, it's no great surprise to see them as Bet365's 4/6 favourites. Croatia are 15/4 shots while the draw pays 14/5.
Head to head: Croatia out to end the curse
Portugal have been a bogey team for Croatia and they've lost five of the six meetings, managing just a draw.
These teams last met four years ago in the Nations League and Portugal won 3-2 on the road after a 4-1 triumph in Lisbon.
Players to watch: Felix out to impress
Martinez will probably changes things around from Tuesday night's victory so I'd expect Joao Felix to get a runout after sitting on the bench against Finland. The lively forward is 12/5 for anytime scorer and 11/4 for over 1.5 shots on target.
It's a similar story for the Croatians and players who didn't feature on Monday are likely to get some minutes here. Nikola Vlasic should start and the attacking midfielder is 6/ for a goal.
Probable line-ups
Expect changes from both managers in this final warm-up game before the finals. Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to return to lead the line for Portugal after the end of the Saudi season.
Portugal: Patricio, Dalot, Dias, Danilo, N Mendes, B Silva, Palhinha Fernandes, Neto, Felix, Ronaldo,
Croatia: Livakovic, Stanisic, Gvardiol, Sutalo, Sosa, Brozovic, Modric, Vlasic, Majer, Ivusic, Pasalic
Anything else catch the eye?
Goals are usually guaranteed at both ends when you're watching a Martinez side and Portugal even allowed a limited Finland team to score twice against them on Tuesday.
So I'd expect this game to be a good watch and combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals looks good at 6/4. I also like the 7/4 available on Portugal scoring in each half.
Friendlies can often peter out, especially when lots of subs are made in the second period, so it could pay to back the first half for most goals at 11/5 with BoyleSports.
You usually see fewer cards in friendlies but Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha loves a tackle. He's 11/2 to go in the book.
This International Friendly match between Portugal and Croatia will be played on Jun 8, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Portugal vs Croatia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
