On November 18, 2024, Croatia and Portugal faced off in Split to conclude their UEFA Nations League 2024/25 Group A1 campaigns. With Portugal already securing the top spot in the group, this game served as an opportunity for both teams to evaluate their squads ahead of future competitions. While Croatia aimed to bounce back from a disappointing defeat against Scotland, Portugal experimented with their lineup, resting key players, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the game, including croatia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups: UEFA Nations League Match Overview
croatia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups: Match Details
| Details | Information |
| Fixture | Croatia vs. Portugal |
| Date | November 18, 2024 |
| Venue | Split, Croatia |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League Group A1 |
| Kick-off Time (Local) | 9:00 PM CET |
| Streaming and TV | Sony LIV, JioTV (India), Fox Sports (USA) |
croatia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups: Team News and Key Updates
Croatia
Croatia entered this fixture following a surprising 1-0 loss to Scotland in Glasgow. Zlatko Dalic made changes to his squad to address weaknesses, with veteran winger Ivan Perisic returning to the starting XI and Luka Modric anchoring the midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic. However, the team missed Petar Sucic, who was suspended after receiving a red card in the Scotland match.
Key changes included an emphasis on youth and experience in the forward line, with Andrej Kramaric and Igor Matanovic leading the charge.
Portugal
Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, opted to rest several senior players after sealing their place as group leaders. Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al Nassr after being released from the squad, while Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Pedro Neto also departed early for club commitments.
The match saw younger players like Joao Felix and Vitinha step into the starting XI, showcasing the depth and talent in Portugal’s pool.
Confirmed Lineups
Croatia (3-4-3 Formation)
| Position | Player | Club |
| Goalkeeper | Dominik Livakovic | Fenerbahçe |
| Defender | Josip Sutalo | Ajax |
| Defender | Duje Caleta-Car | Lyon |
| Defender | Josko Gvardiol | Manchester City |
| Midfielder | Ivan Perisic | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Midfielder | Luka Modric | Real Madrid |
| Midfielder | Mateo Kovacic | Manchester City |
| Midfielder | Borna Sosa | Stuttgart |
| Forward | Andrej Kramaric | Hoffenheim |
| Forward | Igor Matanovic | Eintracht Frankfurt |
| Forward | Martin Baturina | Dinamo Zagreb |
Portugal (3-5-2 Formation)
| Position | Player | Club |
| Goalkeeper | Jose Sa | Wolverhampton |
| Defender | Nelson Semedo | Wolverhampton |
| Defender | Antonio Araujo | Sporting CP |
| Defender | Goncalo Veiga | Porto |
| Midfielder | Joao Cancelo | Barcelona |
| Midfielder | Joao Neves | Benfica |
| Midfielder | Vitinha | PSG |
| Midfielder | Otavio | Al-Nassr |
| Midfielder | Nuno Mendes | PSG |
| Forward | Joao Felix | Barcelona |
| Forward | Rafael Leao | AC Milan |
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croatia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups: Key Match Highlights
- Croatia’s Motivation to Rebound
After their loss to Scotland, Croatia aimed to secure a strong finish to their group-stage campaign. The return of experienced players like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic provided the leadership needed for a high-pressure game. - Portugal’s Tactical Experimentation
Roberto Martinez used this match to test emerging talent, ensuring Portugal remained a formidable force while resting established stars. The young duo of Joao Felix and Vitinha took center stage. - Suspension Woes for Croatia
Petar Sucic’s absence due to suspension was a critical blow, forcing Dalic to adjust his midfield dynamics. However, the inclusion of Martin Baturina added creativity to the squad. - Ronaldo’s Omission
Ronaldo’s exclusion highlighted Martinez’s intent to build a versatile squad. Despite being a pivotal figure, his absence allowed emerging forwards like Leao and Felix to shine.
Team Performance and Insights
Croatia
- Strengths: Croatia’s midfield, anchored by Modric and Kovacic, was instrumental in dictating play and maintaining possession. Perisic’s inclusion provided much-needed width and pace on the wings.
- Weaknesses: The defense struggled against Portugal’s dynamic forward line, and the absence of Sucic was evident in their inability to effectively press high.
Portugal
- Strengths: Portugal’s defensive structure, led by Jose Sa, remained solid throughout the game. The midfield combination of Neves and Vitinha ensured quick transitions, while Joao Felix’s creativity in attack proved effective.
- Weaknesses: The lack of experience among younger players occasionally disrupted their rhythm, particularly during counterattacks by Croatia.
Match Broadcast Information
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | Fox Sports 2 | Fubo, ViX, Fox Sports App |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | — | Viaplay YouTube |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | Sony LIV, JioTV | Sony LIV, JioTV |
croatia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups: Conclusion
The Croatia vs. Portugal clash offered fans a glimpse of two contrasting footballing philosophies. Croatia relied on the experience of their veterans to lead the way, while Portugal showcased the depth and talent of their next generation. With both teams already looking ahead to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals in March 2025, this match served as a critical test for tactical adjustments and squad rotations.
Portugal’s decision to rest key players and still deliver a commendable performance underscored their dominance in the group. Croatia, on the other hand, displayed resilience despite missing key players, proving their capability to remain competitive at the highest level.
This fixture reinforced why both nations are among Europe’s elite football teams, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase.