The recent history between these two countries would suggest that the group leaders, Portugal, will have a considerable advantage heading into this game. The visitors for this game have won three of the previous five meetings between the two teams, only drawing once and losing once to their Croatian counterparts. In this fixture, neither side has kept a clean sheet in the last five meetings, and both teams have scored in the previous five meetings between the two teams.
Croatia are entering this game with mixed form overall, with the hosts winning twice in their previous five games in all competitions, drawing once and losing twice – one of which was the reverse fixture against Portugal on the opening matchday of the Nations League. At home, Croatia have a very good record, excluding the European Championships. Croatia have won four of their prevous five on home soil, with their most recent defeat taking place last year against Turkey in qualification for the European Championships.
In their most recent home fixture, Croatia were 2-1 winners over Scotland despite going a goal behind against Steve Clarke’s side. Goals from Igor Matanovic and Andrej Kramaric cancelled out Ryan Christie’s opener. Scotland secured revenge over Croatia, in Croatia’s most recent game in this competition.
Portugal are looking to end the competition unbeaten before they progress into the next phase of the Nations League.
The visitors have won four and drawn one of their five Nations League games this campaign – including recording the 2-1 victory the last time these two teams met. Excluding the European Championships. Portugal’s away form has been rather impressive, with six wins from eight on their travels – including impressive wins over Poland and Slovakia.
In their most recent game, Portugal recorded an emphatic victory over Poland in which a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo helped secure the win. Bruno Fernandes also shone in that game with a magnificent effort from 22 yards. Portugal’s recent away match saw them frustrated at Hampden Park as Scotland held on for a 0-0 draw.