Unibet Predictions:: Portugal – Croatia Predictions and Tips | UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE

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Unibet Predictions: Portugal – Croatia Predictions and Tips For Today

Portugal - Croatia PredictionsFree Daily Soccer Unibet Predictions for Today, September 5, 2024.
Kick-off: 19:45 (GMT+1)
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE – LEAGUE A – ROUND 1
EVENT: Portugal – Croatia
TIPS: Home Win | Odds: 1.58@Unibet | Result: PENDING

Portugal – Croatia Predictions and Preview

  • The inaugural winners of the UEFA Nations League, Portugal, are set to kick off the fourth edition of this competition. They will be hosting the most recent runners-up, Croatia. Both teams faced disappointment at the European Championships this summer. Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals by France, while Croatia failed to win any group matches.
  • Despite the setbacks, Portugal’s veteran centre-back, Pepe, has announced his retirement from the national team. However, captain and record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo remains a key player for the team. He is part of a 25-member squad selected by coach Roberto Martínez, who aims to guide Portugal beyond the group stage for the first time since their victory in 2018/19.
  • The home fans should be confident, given that they have never lost a competitive match against Croatia (W4). Two of those victories were in the UEFA Nations League, including a thumping 4-1 home victory. However, it’s worth noting that Portugal has a mixed record in the last four matches they hosted in this competition (W2, L2).
  • Croatia, on the other hand, would have been disappointed with their performance at the Euros. They failed to win any of their group matches (D2, L1), which led to widespread predictions that it would be the end of Luka Modrić’s illustrious international career. However, the midfield maestro is part of Zlatko Dalić’s squad, looking to add to his 178 caps. In fact, if he features in both UNL games in September, he will draw level with Sergio Ramos as the second highest capped player from a UEFA nation in history.
  • Croatia was defeated by Spain on penalties in the final of the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League. However, they have had mixed results in this competition over the years. This is especially true when they are not playing at home, as they have lost their first five away matches in this tournament but have since won each of the next four. Therefore, they should be expected to put up a fight on the road.
  • One key battle in this match could be between Rúben Dias and Ante Budimir. Rúben Dias, now responsible for leading the Portugal backline, might fancy a goal, as two of his three international strikes came against Croatia in 2020. He could face Ante Budimir, Croatia’s striker, who has directly contributed to four goals in his last six international matches (G2, A2).
  • Interestingly, none of Portugal’s last five home UEFA Nations League matches have seen both teams on the scoresheet.

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