After a rollercoaster journey at Euro 2024, Portugal finds itself picking up the pieces after yet another quarter-final heartbreak. Their dreams were dashed by a penalty-shootout loss to France, echoing the disappointment of their last-eight exit at Qatar 2022.
This summer’s campaign will be remembered for two things: Pepe’s final stand and the emotional tears of Cristiano Ronaldo. While the 41-year-old Pepe has decided to retire, Ronaldo remains determined to continue representing his country. Head coach Roberto Martinez has once again called up the Al-Nassr star for the upcoming Nations League matches.
Portugal's goal is clear they want to reclaim the title they won in 2019, especially after missing out on the finals last time when they finished second to group rivals Spain.
Spain not only took the Nations League trophy but also triumphed at the Euros, piling even more pressure on Martinez to deliver success, particularly with the wealth of talent at his disposal.
Martinez knows that nothing less than maximum points will suffice in their home double-header, starting with Scotland's visit to Lisbon on Sunday. However, even finishing second in Group 1 would secure a spot in the quarter-finals, thanks to the newly expanded knockout rounds in the Nations League.
On the Croatian side, they too are looking to bounce back after a painful exit at the Euros. Their campaign ended in heartbreak when a late goal from Italy in their final group match confirmed their early departure.
Despite this setback, there was no panic in the Croatian camp, and long-serving coach Zlatko Dalic retains the trust of his team. Luka Modric, much like his former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo, continues to extend his international career.
For Croatia, the ultimate goal remains qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, but the allure of finally winning silverware in the Nations League should be more than enough to fuel their ambition this season.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Roberto Martinez has made some notable changes to his Portugal squad, bringing in fresh talent with the inclusion of youngsters Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos for the first time. Meanwhile, experienced players like Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, and Francisco Conceicao have been left out.
Seventeen-year-old Quenda, a winger for Sporting, has only made a handful of senior appearances, while Veiga is a recent addition to Chelsea. Santos, a full-back for Lille, is also in line for his debut with the national team.
In other squad updates, Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao, and goalkeeper Rui Silva have been recalled, joining a team led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to start in the attack.
On the Croatian side, while Portugal deals with the loss of Pepe, Croatia faces its own challenges. Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic, who retired from international play just shy of 100 caps, will be absent. Veteran Ivan Perisic is still in the squad despite being without a club after leaving Hajduk Split.
Injuries have further thinned Croatia’s ranks, ruling out Lovro Majer, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic for both Thursday’s game and Sunday’s match against Poland. Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car is also doubtful after picking up an injury last weekend.
With a shortage of defenders, head coach Zlatko Dalic has hinted that he might need to get creative, possibly using Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, or even winger Marko Pjaca to cover at right-back.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Portugal possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
EXPERT PREDICTION
Portugal 1-0 Croatia
On the other hand, Croatia might struggle, as retirements and injuries have further thinned their already limited squad, which could make things tough at Estadio da Luz.
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