Portugal vs Croatia Predictions and Betting tips

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The 2018/19 Champions begin their title defence on Saturday night as they welcome Croatia to the Estadio do Dragao. With Sweden and France being the two other teams in this group, Portugal and Croatia are very well aware of the tough competition surrounding them. Who will kick-off their campaign with three points in the bag?

Portugal, having won the 2016 European Championships, added another title to their European qualification following their triumph in the 2018/19 UEFA Nations League. A Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick in the semi-final eliminated Switzerland from the competition much to the delight of Portuguese fans. Goncalo Guedes then scored the all-important goal in the final against The Netherlands to clinch the title for his nation on home soil.

The Portuguese side would have been gutted not to top their group in the European Championships qualification stage as they finished second to Ukraine. As a result, defending their 2016 European Championships title would be difficult right from the group stage with the team fixed in a group comprising of the last two World Cup winners Germany and France.

2018 World Cup runners up Croatia were part of the lucky ones not to be relegated to League B as a result of the revamp of the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League format. The Croats are probably the team most deserved to be saved taking into account their performances against both Spain and England.

2018 Balon D'or winner Luka Modric would be unavailable for his side's doubleheader, alongside Ivan Rakitic as both players withdrew from the current squad due to illness. Coach Dalic invited Colak, Budimir and Skoric in their place. Will the Croatia midfield be as good without those two in the starting lineup?

On their road to conquering Europe in 2016, Portugal clashed with Croatia in the round of 16 stage. Ricardo Quaresma grabbed the only goal of the game late in extra-time to send his side through.

Portugal possible starting XI:

Patricio; Semedo, Fonte, Dias, Guerreiro; Neves, Danilo; Fernandes, Ronaldo, B Silva, A Silva.

Croatia possible starting XI:

Livakovic; Jedvaj, Lovren, Caleta-Car, Barisic; Brozovic, Kovacic; Perisic, Vlasic, Rebic, Petkovic.

Portugal vs Croatia Prediction: 2-1

We expect this to be a close game given the quality of both outfits. However, we find it hard betting against the home side who are expected to narrowly come out on top.