Croatia vs Portugal: betting odds November 18, 2024

Matchday 6 in the Nations League between Croatia and Portugal in Group 1 of League A will take place on November 18 at the Poljud Stadium in Split. Croatia vs. Portugal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)

Matches – 15 (International matches, 2023–2024);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 57;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 20;

Penalties – 13%.

Predicted lineups for Croatia vs. Portugal

Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Kotarski – Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Kristijan Jakic – Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric – Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic – Andrej Kramaric.

Portugal (4-3-3): Diogo Costa – Nuno Mendes, Antonio Silva, Diogo Dalot, Renato Veiga – Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva – Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Each team's starting lineup from their previous match in this tournament is listed.

Croatia

The Balkans suffered a 0-1 away defeat to Scotland in the last round. As a result, Croatia lost the chance to win Group 1, and their participation in the playoffs is now uncertain. To reach the Nations League finals, Zlatko Dalic's side needs to earn points in the upcoming match. If Croatia loses to Portugal and Scotland beats Poland in another group match, both teams will have 7 points. The second-place finisher will be determined by additional criteria: goal difference, then the number of goals scored, and finally, the total number of away wins.

Midfielder Petar Sucic will miss the match due to suspension.

• Croatia has not lost in 90 minutes in 10 of their last 12 Nations League matches (6 wins and 4 draws).
• The number "1" appeared in the final scoreline in 9 of Croatia's last 12 games in this tournament.
• The team has not lost at home in their last four Nations League matches (3 wins and 1 draw).

Portugal

Portugal easily and confidently won Group 1. In the last round, they thrashed Poland 5-1 at home, accumulating 13 points after five group stage matches. The team secured 4 victories with one goalless draw against Scotland. Notably, Roberto Martinez's side scored 12 goals, a tally matched only by Italy in League A.

Midfielders Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes will not play due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

• Portugal has played 23 matches in the Nations League, suffering only three defeats (15 wins and 5 draws).
• At least three goals were scored in 4 of Portugal's last 5 Nations League matches.
• The team has not lost in 9 of their last 10 away games in the Nations League (5 wins and 4 draws).

Croatia vs. Portugal: Match Prediction

In the upcoming match, bookmakers slightly favor the visitors. However, Portugal no longer has tournament motivation, so I believe the hosts can achieve the result they need – at least not to lose. With upcoming league matches, Portugal's players are unlikely to play with maximum effort. Additionally, Roberto Martinez is more interested in observing reserve players and promising young talents in action.

Croatia will play with their main squad. It's crucial for them to earn at least one point to qualify for the finals. Notably, the Balkans have a strong home record. In their last nine official matches, Croatia has lost only once (5 wins and 3 draws).

My prediction – "Croatia to win or draw"