Croatia have to better Sweden’s result against France to ensure they stay in UEFA Nations League A.
Portugal will rest the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and co. in what is a dead rubber after losing to France.
When is the Match between Croatia and Portugal ?
The match will take place at the Stadion Poljud in Split on Tuesday.
Kick Off Time
The match will start 3 p.m. ET.
Team News & Tactics
Croatia
Zlatko Dalic already had plenty of headaches ahead of this game, with Andrej Kramaric, Marcelo Brozovic and Domagoj Vida not making the squad due to the coronavirus. Duje Caleta-Car added to those headaches by picking up another yellow card against Sweden, which means he’s suspended for this game.
However, Dejan Lovren is back and is expected to partner Wolfsburg centre-back Marin Pongracic in defence. Josip Juranovic came on to replace the injured Filip Uremovic at right-back against the Swedes, and may reprise his role although Tin Jedvaj is also an option.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livakovic (GK); Tin Jedvaj, Marin Pongracic, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barisic; Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric; Josip Brekalo, Nikola Vlasic, Ivan Perisic; Ante Budimir
Portugal
In what is effectively a dead rubber for his side, Fernando Santos is likely to change his entire XI against Croatia. The Portuguese manager copped a lot of criticism for not starting in-form Diogo Jota against France, so the Liverpool attacker is sure to start.
Renato Sanches picked up an injury against Andorra so is doubtful for this game, with Ruben Neves likely to replace him alongside Joao Moutinho. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes are sure to be rested.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-1-3): Anthony Lopes (GK); Nelson Semedo, Ruben Semedo, Domingos Duarte, Mario Rui; Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho; Diogo Jota; Trincao, Paulinho, Pedro Neto
Croatia vs Portugal Head-to-Head and Results
Croatia have never defeated Portugal in the six times they have faced each other, managing only two draws while A Selecao have won four times.
The pair last faced each other in the opening game of Group 3, with Portugal running out comfortable 4-1 winners.
Key Stats
Croatia are yet to win in six games against Portugal (D1 L5), but they have managed to score in their last two meetings – something they did not manage in their first four games.
Croatia have not kept a single clean sheet in any of their last ten outings, conceding 20 goals in that time.
Portugal have lost just one game over two editions of the UEFA Nations League (W7 D3), although that sole defeat came in their most recent encounter against France.
Croatia have lost just one competitive match at home in the last 20 years, although that defeat came in their most recent such fixture, against France last month.
Portugal are yet to concede a single goal on their travels in this edition of the UEFA Nations League.
