Portugal and Croatia will meet at the World Cup for the first time in the early hours of Friday morning in a mouth-watering Round of 32 tie.
Roberto Martínez’s men will be looking to finally hit 5th gear at this year’s competition, after a group phase that some would call disappointing considering the expectations placed on this Portuguese squad before the beginning of their campaign.
Apart from their 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan, Seleção das Quinas only managed to gather a point from each of their other group games against Colombia and DR Congo.
Croatia may find themselves quietly confident facing this inconsistent Portugal side.
The Croatians have recovered fairly well since their 4-2 loss to England in their opening fixture – winning their next two games against Panama and Ghana.
Zlatko Dalić’s men will be looking to try and advance to the Round of 16 where they would face the winners of the game between Spain and Austria.
Team NewsPortugal
Portugal have managed to make it to the knockout phase without any injury concerns.
Diogo Costa will start again in goal behind an unchanged back four of João Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, and Nuno Mendes.
João Neves is set to return to the fold after being omitted from a rotated Portuguese team for the final group game against Colombia, and will be joined by PSG teammate Vitinha.
Pedro Neto will start on the right, with João Félix likely to be favoured over Bernardo Silva on the left who hasn’t started a game since the Seleção das Quinas’ opener.
Cristiano Ronaldo will most likely lead the line again, looking to add to his goal tally of two for the tournament – with midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes behind him.
Croatia
Another side with no injury concerns, Zlatko Dalić will likely alter the side that beat Ghana 2-1.
Joško Gvardiol will come back into the XI, allowing Ivan Perišić to move back up to his more natural attacking position.
He will most probably be joined by Marin Pongračić, Josip Šutalo, and Josip Stanišić at the back, in front of Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.
Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić will most likely be joined by Petar Sučić in midfield, who scored in his last start, though Nikola Vlašić could be chosen over him on the day after a strong performance in the final group game.
Martin Baturina and the aforementioned Ivan Perišić will play on either side of striker Ante Budimir.
Predicted LineupPortugal
Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix; Cristiano Ronaldo
Croatia
Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić, Joško Gvardiol; Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Ivan Perišić, Petar Sučić, Martin Baturina; Ante Budimir
Can Cristiano Shine?
In a World Cup where all the superstars such as Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland are all performing, the great Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to reach the same heights.
Other than his brace against Uzbekistan, the 41-year-old has flattered to deceive this summer – with many claiming that he actually holds back this Portuguese side rather than improving it.
However, as outlined by fellow Vavel journalist Sheldon Dragwidge, Ronaldo’s performance against The White Wolves may have shown how the Al-Nassr frontman can still be effective in Roberto Martinez’s side.
We have now reached a point in the tournament in which inconsistency is simply unacceptable – every mistake could lead to elimination.
Cristiano Ronaldo no longer has second chances, he must deliver in every game left in this competition.
Will he be the man to lead his country to victory over The Blazers, or will he fail to provide goals once again?
Midfield Battles
Ronaldo is not the only Real Madrid legend playing in Toronto on Friday, as Luka Modrić will captain Croatia at the ripe age of 40 – and will be joined in midfield by the experienced Mateo Kovačić.
There is no questioning the pedigree within Zlatko Dalić’s engine room. Between them, the midfield duo boast multiple Champions League titles, countless appearances at the highest level and a wealth of international experience.
Yet, despite their decorated careers, they face perhaps their toughest test of the tournament against one of the most technically gifted midfields remaining in the competition.
Roberto Martínez’s trio of João Neves, Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes has been at the heart of most of Portugal’s success so far – providing a mix of energy, composure, and creativity.
Friday’s contest could ultimately be decided by whichever midfield gains control most effectively.
The Fiery Ones will look to rely on Modrić’s composure and vision to slow the tempo and dictate possession, whilst the Portuguese will aim to overwhelm their opponents with intensity, movement and quick combinations.
The tie promises to be a fascinating clash between an experienced and a youthful midfield, with a place in the next round at stake.
Match InformationWhen is the match?
The match will kick off at 00:00 BST on Friday, 3rd of July.
How can I watch?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the game will be broadcast live on BBC One. Alternatively, VAVEL will offer comprehensive coverage during and after the match.
Where is the match?
The match takes place in Toronto Stadium, Toronto.