Croatia and Portugal will clash in the final group game of their Nations League campaign. Both sides hold the top two spots in Group A2. Our Croatia vs Portugal predictions article provides insights into likely outcomes for this game.
Here, we examine the essential information for this upcoming encounter:
| ℹ️ Tournament: | UEFA Nations League 2024-25, League A, Group A1, Matchday 6 |
| ⚽️ Venue: | Stadion Poljud, Split, Croatia |
| 🗓️ Date: | 18 November 2024 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:45 GMT on Monday |
The best bookmakers for football in 2024 have offered match odds for this clash. The Blazers have odds of 3.10 (19/9) to win. Portugal has odds of 2.26 (5/4) to grab an away victory. Croatia vs Portugal odds for a draw are valued at 3.40 (12/5).
Portugal has been dominant against this opponent, securing six wins in their last eight games.
| Standings | Group A1 Teams | Matches Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 5 | 13 |
| 2 | Croatia | 5 | 7 |
| 3 | Poland | 5 | 4 |
| 4 | Scotland | 5 | 4 |
Portugal leads Group A1, maintaining an unbeaten streak with thirteen points. Croatia follows in second position, having accumulated seven points from their four matches. The group’s lower half sees Poland and Scotland occupying the last two spots with four points each and a head-to-head clash in the last round.
Portugal comfortably holds the top position in the group. The Lusitanians have netted 12 goals while allowing only four. In their latest game, Portugal triumphed over Poland with a score of 5-1. Before that, they recorded a goalless draw against Scotland and a 3-1 victory away at Poland.
With their qualification for the Nations League quarterfinals secured, Portugal will be eager to conclude their group stage on a solid note. It’s hard to expect a fierce contest during their travel to Split this weekend. Still, Portugal football bookies position the Lusitanians among the top favorites to win the Nations League.
Joao Palinha and Ruben Dias will miss the game due to injuries, while Ronaldo, Neto, Fernandes, and Bernardo should return to their clubs for extra rest.
Croatia enters this game needing a win or a draw to secure the second spot in Group A2. They currently have seven points from five matches, with two wins, one draw, and two losses. The Blazers have scored seven goals so far. They have also conceded seven, which gives them a zero-goal difference.
Unexpectedly, their last match ended with a 1-0 defeat against Scotland. This loss adds pressure to secure a favorable outcome at home on Monday. Much like their opponents, the Blazers will be eager to perform well in the final group game of this campaign. They play at home, a factor that could see them go all out to secure a win.
Bruno Petkovic is unavailable due to injury. Dominik Livakovic and Peter Sucic are both suspended.
Here are our Croatia vs Portugal betting predictions:
1 (50%)
(50%) 1
Portugal continues their impressive run in the group, boasting four victories and one draw. Their dominance over this opponent is evident, with six wins in their previous eight encounters. Beyond the numbers, Portugal’s attack ranks among the finest in international football, even if some of their main players returned to their clubs. Still, the guys like Leao, Otavio, Conceicao, and Felix form a formidable offense that promises to find the back of the net and prove their quality. Considering their superior firepower and form, Portugal stands as the clear favorite to secure victory.
2 (100%)
0
Portugal is the team to beat in this group, but they have recently shown a vulnerability in conceding goals. The Lusitanians have allowed goals four times in five group matches. Croatia has an even weaker record, having conceded seven times in the same number of games. Historically, both teams have found the net against each other, with their last five encounters featuring goals from both sides. These factors lead us to select “yes” for the BTTS bet option—the best sportsbooks in Croatia value odds for this option at 1.75 (3/4).
2 (100%)
0
Recent encounters between these sides consistently deliver high-scoring affairs, producing three or more goals. With the exception of their 1-1 stalemate in September 2018, every clash has resulted in at least a 2-1 scoreline. Given the match circumstances, Portugal is expected to maintain an offensive approach. Meanwhile, Croatia’s need for a favorable outcome suggests both teams will push forward, setting the stage for another goal-rich encounter.
Here are our Croatia vs Portugal betting picks:
Portugal is on a roll. Given their form, we expect them to conclude the group stage with a win against Croatia on Monday. Use our Croatia vs Portugal betting tips to stake and win extra cash.
