Concluding League A Group 1 of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, Croatia and Portugal lock horns in a top-of-the-table showdown at the Stadion Poljud in Split on Monday.

The Selecao have already secured their spot in the quarter-finals as group winners, but Croatia need a point to guarantee their place in the knockout stages.

Match Preview

Portugal have been in imperious form in the Nations League, sweeping aside the competition in customary fashion.

Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was responsible for two goals in their 5-1 thrashing of Poland on Friday, including an acrobatic overhead kick to bring up his 132nd international win – the most by any male player.

Roberto Martinez’s side have lost just one of their previous 10 Nations League matches away from home, with that solitary defeat coming against Switzerland in June 2022.

Croatia, on the other hand, have had a mixed bag of results since their 2-1 friendly victory over Portugal in the summer.

After taking seven points from nine on offer between September 8 and October 15, the Chequered Ones squandered an opportunity to rubber-stamp a second-placed finish in the group, suffering a 1-0 loss to Scotland at Hampden Park.

Portugal’s recent form has been nothing short of exemplary, winning four and drawing one of their last five competitive and non-competitive fixtures.

In contrast, Croatia have won two, drawn one and lost two of their previous five matches across all competitions.

Head-to-Head

Portugal hold a dominant 7-2 advantage over Croatia in their previous nine encounters, with the Selecao avenging their summer friendly defeat by the same scoreline in their first Nations League showdown of the year back in September.

Team News

With top spot in the group already secured, Martinez has allowed some of his big-hitters, including Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and the suspended Bruno Fernandes, to head back to their clubs early.

This could open the door for Fabio Silva and in-demand Sporting Lisbon full-back Geovany Quenda to feature.

Predicted Starting Line-ups:

Croatia: 4-2-3-1

Livakovic;

Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol;

Modric, Kovacic;

L. Sucic, Pasalic, Perisic;

Kramaric

Portugal: 4-2-3-1

R. Silva;

Cancelo, Djalo, Araujo, Tavares;

Vitinha, Neves;

Conceicao, Felix, Trincao;

F. Silva

Prediction:

With Martinez resting some of his key players, Croatia should be able to capitalize and secure the point they need to join Portugal in the Nations League quarter-finals.

However, the Selecao’s wealth of talent means they are still likely to pose a significant threat, and a draw seems the most plausible outcome.

• Score Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Portugal

Betting Tips:

– Both teams to score (Yes)
– Over 2.5 goals
– Fabio Silva to score anytime