Portugal and Croatia, both front-runners to secure the top two positions in League A Group 1, begin their respective UEFA Nations League campaigns on Thursday at Estadio da Luz revisiting a matchup that saw 10 goals scored across two encounters when they last clashed in this tournament four years ago.
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.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
Portugal vs Croatia kick-off time
Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024
Kick-off time: 2:45 pm ET/ 11:45 am PT
Venue: Estadio Universitario de Lisboa
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).
Portugal team news
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.
Portugal possible XI: Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
Croatia team news
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.
Croatia possible XI: Livakovic; Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Roberto Martinez's side were one of the favorites to win this year's UEFA European Championship, however, they were knocked out by France in the quarterfinals.
Croatia, runners up of the previous edition, have surprised many with their performances in international tournaments over the last decade, but the perennial dark horses had a lackluster Euro 2024 outing, where they failed to make it past the group stage.
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.
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.
A high-stakes clash is set to unfold in Group A1 as the top contenders for the group’s top spot, Portugal and Croatia, face off. Portugal will aim to capitalize on what could be the final matches for their legendary star, Cristiano Ronaldo. The team understands the significance of starting the campaign with a win, especially against a side as formidable as Croatia, another strong favorite to win the group.
Croatia, boasting their own share of experienced veterans, recognize the importance of this early matchup and will be eager to secure three critical points. With both teams eyeing the top of the group, the battle promises to be an intense and pivotal moment in the competition.
How to watch today's Portugal vs Croatia Nations league game: Live stream, TV channel, and start time.
Click Here to Watch Portugal vs Croatia Live Online
Portugal and Croatia, both front-runners to secure the top two positions in League A Group 1, begin their respective UEFA Nations League campaigns on Thursday at Estadio da Luz revisiting a matchup that saw 10 goals scored across two encounters when they last clashed in this tournament four years ago.
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.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
Portugal vs Croatia kick-off time
Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024
Kick-off time: 2:45 pm ET/ 11:45 am PT
Venue: Estadio Universitario de Lisboa
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).
Portugal team news
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.
Portugal possible XI: Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo
Croatia team news
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.
Croatia possible XI: Livakovic; Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Roberto Martinez's side were one of the favorites to win this year's UEFA European Championship, however, they were knocked out by France in the quarterfinals.
Croatia, runners up of the previous edition, have surprised many with their performances in international tournaments over the last decade, but the perennial dark horses had a lackluster Euro 2024 outing, where they failed to make it past the group stage.
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.
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.
A high-stakes clash is set to unfold in Group A1 as the top contenders for the group’s top spot, Portugal and Croatia, face off. Portugal will aim to capitalize on what could be the final matches for their legendary star, Cristiano Ronaldo. The team understands the significance of starting the campaign with a win, especially against a side as formidable as Croatia, another strong favorite to win the group.
Croatia, boasting their own share of experienced veterans, recognize the importance of this early matchup and will be eager to secure three critical points. With both teams eyeing the top of the group, the battle promises to be an intense and pivotal moment in the competition.