Portugal will look to recover from their underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign as they host Croatia in the opening match of Group A1 in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League on Thursday.
While there were high hopes from the talented Portuguese squad in this year’s UEFA European Championship, they were knocked out in the quarterfinals.
While Croatia has surpassed expectations in the last two FIFA World Cups, their poor run at the Euros continued this summer with a group-stage exit. Both sides will be looking to regroup and start the tournament on a positive note.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Portugal vs. Croatia live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this UEFA Nations League match in India:
TV channel: Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD
Live stream: JioTV, Sony LIV
In India, the game will be available to watch on live TV on Sony Ten 1 and Sont Ten 1 HD. Fans can also stream the match on JioTV and Sony LIV.
If this match is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favourite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
What time does Portugal vs. Croatia kick off in India?
This UEFA Nations League clash takes place at the Estádio do SL Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal and kicks off on Thursday, September 5 at 7:45 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates to India:
| Date | Fri, Sep. 6 |
| Kick-off time | 12:15 a.m. IST |
| Venue | Estádio do SL Benfica |
| Location | Lisbon, Portugal |
Portugal vs. Croatia lineups, team news
Roberto Martinez has injected youth into his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, including Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos. Veterans such as Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, and Francisco Conceicao have been dropped.
Additionally, Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao, and Rui Silva have been recalled to the squad. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected again to lead this young Portuguese side from the front.
Portugal predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Costa(GK) — Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes — Palhinha, Vitinha — B. Silva, Fernades, Leao — Ronaldo.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Croatia come into this game with a heavily depleted squad due to multiple injuries. Lovro Majer, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic have been ruled out against Portugal as well as against Poland, while Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car remains a doubt after sustaining a knock last weekend.
Additionally, Zlatko Dalic's side won't have veterans Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic for selection as the duo have retired from international football. Due to the lack of personnel in defence, Dalic has suggested that any one of Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, or even winger Marko Pjaca may start at right-back.
Croatia predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Livakovic(GK) — Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa — Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic — Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec.
Injured: Majer, Stanisic, Erlic, Fati, Caleta-Car
Suspended: None
Portugal vs. Croatia Prediction
Despite Croatia winning their most recent clash earlier this year, Portugal’s historical edge—having triumphed in 5 of the last 8 meetings—makes them the favourites for this fixture.
The game is expected to be a fast-paced affair that could be settled in the dying moments, but Portugal’s advantage in terms of squad depth may give them the edge over Croatia and lead them to victory.
- Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia