Croatia vs Portugal Prediction, Match Preview & Live Streaming, 19 November 2024

Get ready for an exciting clash in the UEFA Nations League A as Croatia hosts Portugal at Stadion Poljud. Scheduled for the early hours of November 19, this match sees second-place Croatia needing at least a draw to secure their place in the Finals.

Despite Portugal already securing the top spot, the match still holds great importance. Key Portuguese players Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto, and Bernardo Silva will be absent, and Bruno Fernandes is suspended. Croatia, while dealing with some injuries and a suspension, remains solid at home, losing only one of their last nine matches.

With a weather forecast of moderate rain and cool temperatures, the match will be officiated by Davide Massa. Our match tip recommends backing Portugal to win, given the attractive odds and their b form, although Croatia’s home advantage and determination could make for a highly competitive game.

Croatia vs. Portugal Prediction & Betting Tip

For this UEFA Nations League A match, our recommended betting tip is to back Portugal to win. Here’s why:

Portugal has been in commendable form, clinching 13 points from their last five matches, while Croatia has had a mixed bag of results with 7 points.

Portugal’s attacking power, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 5 goals, indicates a high-scoring potential. Croatia, despite their home advantage and solid performances, often concedes goals.

• Portugal has scored more than 2.5 goals in 80% of their matches in the tournament.
• Croatia concedes an average of 1.6 goals per match.
• Portugal’s consistent form makes them favorites despite the match being held at Stadion Poljud.

This analysis suggests Portugal has a b edge, making the odds attractive for betting enthusiasts.

Croatia vs. Portugal Odds

With the upcoming UEFA Nations League A match between Croatia and Portugal, let’s take a look at the betting odds. Croatia is positioned as the underdog, while Portugal, despite missing key players, is marginally favored.

The odds reflect Portugal’s slight edge, even without star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva. Croatia’s odds provide value for those confident in the home advantage, given their b record at Stadion Poljud. The draw also appears a prudent bet given Portugal’s secured position and Croatia’s crucial need for at least a point.

Croatia vs Portugal Live Streaming

• The UEFA Nations League live broadcast is present in India with the Sony Sports Network. The Live streaming of the matches is available on the SonyLiv website and app. Fans can watch Croatia vs Portugal live streaming on SonyLiv at 1:15 AM on Tuesday.

Croatia Team Analysis

Recent Performance LDWWL

Croatia’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with a record of LDWWL in their last five matches. Their results are as follows:

Despite these mixed results, Croatia has shown a decent scoring average of 1.40 goals per game over their last five matches. Defensively, though, they’ve only managed one clean sheet.

Key Points:

• Recent Form: Mixed with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
• Scoring Average: 1.40 goals per game.
• Clean Sheets: Only 1 in the last 5 games. With a home record at Stadion Poljud, Croatia will aim to leverage their home advantage against Portugal.

Croatia Key Players

Croatia will need standout performances from their key players to secure a vital result against Portugal. Goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski will be crucial in keeping Portugal’s potent attack at bay, while veteran midfielder Luka Modric will orchestrate play from the middle of the park. Igor Matanovic, though not prolific with just one goal, is expected to share the scoring burden upfront. In defense, Josko Gvardiol and Duje Caleta-Car will face a challenging task in neutralizing Portugal’s threats. 

Expected lineup for Croatia:

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Kotarski
• Defenders: Borna Sosa, Josip Sutalo, Duje Caleta-Car, Josko Gvardiol
• Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic
• Attacking midfielders: Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina
• Forward: Marco Pašalić With critical absentees like Petar Sucic and Martin Erlic, the remaining squad members must step up to fill the void.

Croatia Suspensions & Injuries

Croatia faces some crucial absences in their squad, which might significantly affect their performance against Portugal. Midfielder Petar Sucic is suspended due to a red card, leaving a gap in their midfield. On the injury front, defenders Martin Erlic and Josip Stanisic are sidelined, along with forward Dion Beljo, whose return date is still unknown. These injuries and suspensions could put a strain on Zlatko Dalic’s team, necessitating tactical adjustments.

Croatia Tactics and Formation

Croatia Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Marco Pašalić
• Midfield Maestro: Luka Modric
• Defensive Setup: Utilizes three central backs – Gvardiol, Sutalo, Caleta-Car

Zlatko Dalic has opted for a balanced 3-5-2 formation, aimed at dominating the midfield. Modric orchestrates play alongside Kovacic and Perisic in the central midfield, ensuring fluid transitions from defense to attack.

• Defensive Strength: Despite conceding 1.6 goals per match in their last five games, the defensive trio has solid experience.
• Tactical Approach: Croatia’s strategy involves high pressing and exploiting the opponent’s flanks through wing-backs Borna Sosa and Josko Gvardiol.

Set-pieces and crosses into the box are expected to be pivotal, given the aerial prowess of Pašalić and the midfield’s capability to provide precise deliveries. Croatia will also aim for early goals, leveraging their strength in the 16-30 minute interval.

Portugal Team Analysis

Portugal Recent Performance WDWWW

Portugal’s recent form has been stellar, registering four wins and a draw in their last five matches. They have shown consistent scoring ability with an average of 2.40 goals per game and have managed one clean sheet during this period. Their attacking prowess is spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted five goals in this tournament so far.

This remarkable form has solidified their top position in the group, making them a formidable opponent for Croatia.

With a high conversion rate of chances created, Portugal is expected to maintain their dominant form. Their disciplined and cohesive unit under manager Roberto Martinez bodes well going into this crucial fixture against Croatia.

Portugal Key Players

Expected lineup for Portugal:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Diogo Dalot, António Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves
• Attackers: Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão

Portugal’s attack is spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has already scored five goals in this tournament. His experience and clinical finishing make him a constant threat. Alongside him, Rafael Leão’s pace and Pedro Neto’s creativity can cause problems for Croatia’s defence.

In midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will look to control the game and create opportunities. Their duel against Croatia’s Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic will be fascinating to watch.

Defensively, Nuno Mendes and Diogo Dalot will be key in containing Croatia’s wingers, making these individual battles crucial for the match outcome.

Portugal Suspensions & Injuries

Portugal faces a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. This could impact their performance against Croatia, especially in terms of squad depth and tactical options. Here’s a detailed look at the current injury list:

Fortunately, there are no suspensions hampering the team. Roberto Martinez must tactically utilize available players to compensate for these absences.

Portugal Tactics and Formation

Portugal’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 5 goals in 5 matches in this tournament.
• Midfield Trio: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves
• Defensive Strength: Despite several injuries, Portugal boasts a stable backline with players like Diogo Dalot and António Silva.

Notable Strategy: Roberto Martinez favors a balanced approach, leveraging a potent attack coupled with creative midfielders who can control the tempo of the game. The 4-3-3 formation allows for fluid transitions and versatile attacking options, with Ronaldo being a focal point. Their defensive structure remains solid, which is critical given Croatia’s ability to score in the 16-30 minute interval.

Croatia vs. Portugal Head-to-Head Statistics

The teams have a recent history of competitive encounters, making this match even more intriguing. Here’s a breakdown of their last five meetings:

From these fixtures, it is evident that Portugal has had the upper hand with victories in four out of their last five matchups. Croatia managed a win in their second most recent encounter, showing they can indeed challenge their rivals. This history sets the stage for a thrilling duel on November 19, 2024.

Venue and Weather

Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia, is set to host this UEFA Nations League A clash. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the stadium has a capacity of around 34,000 spectators, ensuring a lively backdrop for this crucial encounter. The weather forecast predicts moderate rain with a temperature of 6°C, high humidity at 94%, and light wind speeds of 1.12 m/s.

Such conditions will make the pitch slippery, potentially affecting ball control and player footing. Both teams might need to adapt their strategies. Portugal, with their fluid attacking style, may need to be cautious in their approach, while Croatia’s midfield maestros could seek to maintain possession and control play to minimize errors in these tricky conditions.