The Euros 2024 is knocking at our doorsteps as teams lock in their final teams. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal has a significant chance to test their preparation as they host Croatia at home. While the Selecao picked up a notable 4-2 win over Finland earlier this week, Roberto Martinez‘s men would need to roll up their socks to be the best to get a similar result against Croatia.
Meanwhile, Croatia will be eager to end their losing streak against Portugal as they travel to Alges. The Vatreni have lost their last seven games against the Selecao, with three of the last games leaning towards Portugal with the odd goal. Zlatko Dalić will be delighted with how his team performed against North Macedonia and would love to get a win before kick-starting their Euros campaign.
Portugal vs Croatia: Team News and More on Cristiano Ronaldo
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Roberto Martinez will once again be without the services of skipper Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruben Neves. Both players linked up with the team earlier tonight and will not be part of the squad against Croatia. During his press conference with the manager, Martinez touched on the duo’s absence, stating, “Ruben Neves and Cristiano Ronaldo will arrive on June 7. All the players have had seven days to adapt, prepare for the Euros, and refresh their minds. The plan for the two of them is to skip the match with Croatia and play against Ireland.”
Zlatko Dalić, on the other hand, is expected to field a similar team he used against North Macedonia. Defender Josko Gvardiol is expected to make a start against the Selecao after missing the team’s initial friendly game. Meanwhile, players like Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and Andrej Kramasic looked in wonderful touch against N. Macedonia and should keep their place on the team.
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POR vs CRO: Predicted Starting Lineups
Portugal predicted playing XI: (4-3-3) Costa; Dalot, A Silva, Dias, Cancelo; Fernandes, Palhinha, Bernardo; Jota, Goncalo, Leao.
Croatia predicted playing XI: (4-2-3-1) Livakovic; Juranovic, Vida, Gvardiol, Sosa; Baturina, Kovacic; Majer, Kramaric, Perisic; Petkovic.
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Portugal vs Croatia: When and Where to Watch
The high-voltage game between Portugal and Croatia will come live to our screens from the Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor in Alges. Live action from the game for viewers in the United States will be available on Fox Sports and ESPN+ with the kick-off scheduled at 12:45 pm EST. Meanwhile, viewers in the United Kingdom will have to tune into Premier Sports 2 for the live coverage.