Following a turbulent yet ultimately unproductive run at Euro 2024, the Seleção were left to recover from another quarter-final setback, echoing their last-eight elimination at Qatar 2022.
This summer, a penalty shootout loss to France ended the Selecao's campaign—a tournament marked by Pepe's final appearance and the overwhelming emotion of Cristiano Ronaldo's tears. While the 41-year-old defender has opted to retire, Ronaldo remains eager to leave the international stage on a high. Head coach Roberto Martinez has once again included the Al-Nassr star in the squad for this month's Nations League fixtures.
With UEFA's decision to expand the Nations League by adding another knockout round, a top-two finish will now be enough for the Vatreni to advance as well. Poland and Scotland are considered underdogs in the race to progress. However, after experiencing heartache at the Euros over the summer, Thursday's visitors will be determined to steer clear of any complacency as they embark on their mission to surpass their 2023 performance when they fell to Spain in the final.
Key Matchup
The heart of this match will undeniably be the midfield battle between the two most decorated midfielders of their generation, Luka Modric and Bernardo Silva. Both have thrived in Spain's La Liga for their respective clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona, winning trophies and accolades aplenty. Their clash on Thursday will be a battle of experience and tactical brilliance, a true testament to the enduring legacy of these two footballing giants. Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, brings a wealth of experience and tactical awareness to the Croatian midfield, having led his country to remarkable feats, including a World Cup runner-up finish in 2018. Bernardo Silva, the Portuguese maestro, offers a different kind of threat, his dynamism and intricate passing making him a nightmare for opposition defenses. While they may be on opposite sides this time around, the mutual respect between the two midfielders is evident. Their encounter will be a mesmerizing spectacle for football fans worldwide.
Team News
Portugal
Roberto Martinez has revamped the hosts' roster, bringing in fresh faces like Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos for the first time, while opting to leave out Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, and Francisco Conceicao.
Seventeen-year-old Quenda, a Sporting winger with only four senior appearances, joins the squad alongside Veiga, who recently signed with Chelsea, and Lille full-back Santos, who is also poised to make his Selecao debut. Moreover, Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao, and goalkeeper Rui Silva have been recalled, joining a squad captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, who is likely to start as the main striker.
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
Croatia
As the hosts bid farewell to legendary Pepe, the Vatreni faces its own set of challenges with the absence of star players Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic, who retired from international play with 99 caps and will not be featuring. Veteran Ivan Perisic remains in the squad despite his departure from Hajduk Split and current lack of a club. Injuries have sidelined Lovro Majer, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic for both Thursday’s match and Sunday’s game against Poland. Additionally, Lyon’s Duje Caleta-Car is also uncertain after sustaining an injury last weekend. With their defence stretched thin, coach Zlatko Dalic has hinted that Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, or even winger Marko Pjaca might need to step in at right-back.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Livakovic; Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
How to Watch
In the United States (US), the UEFA Nations League match between Portugal and Croatia will be available to watch and stream online live through ViX.
Globally, fans can catch the live action on GOAL.
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Kick-Off Time
The UEFA Nations League A 2024 opening game between Portugal and Croatia will be played at Estadio Universitario de Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal. It will kick off at 2:45 pm ET/ 11:45 am PT on Thursday, September 5, 2024, in the United States (US).
Prediction
Although Croatia won the most recent meeting between the two sides earlier this year, Portugal's historical edge over them (having won 5 of the last 8 fixtures) would see them as favorites heading into this match. The match could be an end-to-end affair that goes down to the last minute, however, Portugal have age and squad depth in their favor which could see them edge out Croatia as victors.
Beyond the Pitch: Modric vs. Ronaldo
This matchup is more than just a football match; it's a clash of titans. Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, two of the greatest players of their generation, will face off once again in the UEFA Nations League. Both men are in their twilight years, but they still possess the quality to decide matches.
Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men's international football, is still hunting for glory. His decision to continue playing for Portugal after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign is a testament to his ambition. Modric, the maestro of the midfield, is aiming for one more major international trophy to add to his collection. He is the leader of a Croatian team that has been consistently overachieving for the last decade.
The two players have a long and storied history. They were teammates at Real Madrid for six years, winning a host of trophies together. However, their relationship appears to be more professional than personal, perhaps due to their differing personalities. Ronaldo, the brash and ambitious superstar, is in stark contrast to Modric, the humble and understated leader. But both are supremely talented footballers who have inspired countless fans around the world. Their clash will be a spectacle of pure athleticism and captivating strategy, a rare and precious encounter between two giants of the game. The world will be watching.
The Legacy of Luka Modric
While Ronaldo’s continued international career is questioned by many, Luka Modric, despite his age, seems to have universal support from fans, pundits, and even his opponents. He embodies a type of dedication and respect that has elevated him beyond just being a footballer. His enduring international career speaks volumes about his love for the game and his unwavering commitment to his nation. A journalist at Euro 2024 even begged Modric to “never retire,” a sentiment echoed by countless fans worldwide. Modric’s influence goes beyond the pitch, inspiring a generation with his unwavering determination and elegant playing style. It's a testament to his enduring legacy that football seems almost willing him to keep playing, making every game he graces a special event. This is not just about Portugal vs. Croatia; it is about witnessing one of the greatest midfielders of all time continue to defy expectations and redefine the boundaries of age in football.
