The UEFA Nations League Group A1 finale takes center stage on Monday as Croatia hosts Portugal at the Stadion Poljud in Split. With Portugal already assured of the group’s top spot and a place in the quarter-finals, Croatia only needs a single point to guarantee their progression.
Match Preview
Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved his class with a brace during Portugal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Poland on Friday. Among his contributions was a stunning overhead kick, marking his 132nd win in international football, a record unmatched by any other male player. Goals from Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, and Pedro Neto rounded out a dominant display for the Selecao.
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However, with the top spot in the group already secured, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has released key players, including Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva, back to their clubs. This strategic move allows fresh faces to step up in a match with little on the line for the Selecao.
Croatia, meanwhile, suffered a late setback against Scotland, losing 1-0 in Glasgow. That result delayed their qualification and left them needing a draw to cement their spot in the knockout stages. Despite their inconsistency, Croatia can take solace in their summer friendly victory over Portugal, though the latter avenged that loss with a 2-1 win in September.
While a defeat could complicate Croatia’s progression, their superior head-to-head record over Poland ensures they cannot be relegated. A point will suffice, and Dalic’s side will also advance if the Scotland-Poland match does not produce a winner.
Team News
Croatia:
Croatia will be without midfielder Petar Sucic, suspended due to his red card against Scotland. Mario Pasalic or Nikola Vlasic are expected to fill the void. Ante Budimir and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic return from suspension, with Livakovic likely to reclaim his starting spot. However, Kristijan Jakic’s late injury in the previous match could see Marin Pongracic deputizing at right-back.
Predicted Starting XI:
Livakovic; Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; L. Sucic, Pasalic, Perisic; Kramaric
Portugal:
Roberto Martinez has made significant squad changes, sending Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Neto back to their clubs while promoting Fabio Silva and Geovany Quenda from the Under-21s. Tiago Djalo is also expected to feature. The Selecao may see Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo, and Vitinha stepping into starting roles, with Rui Silva or Jose Sa possibly replacing Diogo Costa in goal.
Predicted Starting XI:
R. Silva; Cancelo, Djalo, Araujo, Tavares; Vitinha, Neves; Conceicao, Felix, Trincao; F. Silva
Match Prediction
With several of Portugal’s stars absent and their group position already secured, complacency may seep into their performance. Croatia, driven by the necessity of a result, is likely to dominate proceedings and should have enough firepower to secure the point they need to join Portugal in the quarter-finals.
Expect a cagey but hard-fought encounter in Split.
