Portugal will begin their campaign to become the first team to win the UEFA Nations League twice on Thursday when they take on Croatia at the Estadio da Luz.
It is the first time that both teams have played since Euro 2024 and considering neither side fared as well as they were hoping at the tournament, they will feel as if they have something to prove this week.
Although the Nations League isn't the most prestigious international tournament in the world, it does at least allow us to see some of the best players in the world go head-to-head in a competitive setting.
How the bookies view it: Portugal go in as favourites
Portugal are the favourites to win this match which shouldn't come as a huge surprise given the plethora of attacking talent that Roberto Martinez has at his disposal. Betfred have priced a win for Portugal at 1/2 while a victory for Croatia has been priced at 9/2. The draw, which wouldn't be a bad way to start the new Nations League campaign, has been priced at 3/1.
Recent head-to-head: Portuguese dominance
Portugal have dominated this fixture historically and have avoided defeat in eight of their nine matches against Croatia. Incidentally, it was the most recent clash in the build-up to Euro 2024 that Croatia finally managed to get on over on Portugal so that result will be fresh in the memory.
This is the second time that the two nations have been drawn alongside each other in the same Nations League group. Back in 2020, Portugal completed the double over Croatia beating them 4-1 at home and 3-2 away.
Players to watch: Battle of the Veterans
Two of the greatest footballers to ever play the game will take to the field on Thursday night in what could be the final time they ever play against one and other.
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been called up to the Portugal squad despite failing to score a single goal at Euro 2024 and he won't be there to simply sit on the bench. Whether his repeated call-ups will end up being the undoing of Roberto Martinez is a debate for another day but you'd still be foolish to back against him finding the back of the net on Thursday.
For Croatia, Luka Modric will more than likely start in the heart of midfield. The 38-year-old was expected to retire from international football after Euro 2024 but he looks set for another campaign with Croatia. His powers have also waned but he still has the ability to find the eye of a needle.
Predicted line-ups
Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira and Francisco Conceicao are notable absentees from the Portugal squad while Martinez has also called up some fresh faces. There is also a changing of the guard for Croatia amid the news that Marcelo Brozovic has called time on his international career.
Portugal: Costa – Dalot, Dias, Silva, Mendes – Palhinha, Vitinha – Bernardo, Fernandes, Leao – Ronaldo
Croatia: Livakovic – Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa – Sucic, Modric, Kovacic – Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Anything else catch the eye?
Outside of Euro 2024, Portugal were a team that were frequently involved in high-scoring matches (21 goals in their last five matches before the Euros). Now the pressure of knockout football is no more, we anticipate that they will revert back to a more open style of play. Over 2.5 goals to be scored has been priced at 5/6 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Portugal and Croatia will be played on Sep 5, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. 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.
