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Written by
James Wilkerson
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Portugal need to improve as they head into the knockout stages of World Cup 2026 with a clash against an experienced Croatia side. Portugal are 1.75 favourites with bet365 to come out on top. Croatia can be backed at 5.00 with the draw priced at 3.50.
We expect Portugal to have too much for Croatia, especially given the options they have in midfield against an aging Croatia team. They need to improve from some of their group showings but should do that.
Reasons to Follow this Bet
Portugal were better against Colombia in an attack-minded contest agfter putting Uzbekistan to the sword before that. They can build on those games in this one.
Portugal seem to have found a bit more threat after pushing Pedro Neto to the right side, which should be an area of this Croatia team Portugal can exploit.
Vitinha and one of Ruben Neves or Joao Neves in midfield should have the legs on the aging Croatia duo of Modric and Kovacic, which should allow Portugal more control.
Portugal vs Croatia - Team News
Portugal could bring Joao Neves back into the team after Ruben Neves was chosen to partner Vitinha in midfield in their final group game against Colombia. Bruno Fernandes will play in the number 10 role behind Cristiano Ronaldo. The bigger decision will be if manager Roberto Martinez sticks with Joao Felix and Pedro Neto in the wide areas or if Bernardo Silva returns.
Croatia are likely to stick with Ante Budimir at the head of their attack after his last two appearences. This will mean Nikola Vlasic could continue from the right-wing, which is where he played when netting the winner against Ghana. Petar Sučić also scored and looks likely to keep his place as the attacking midfielder ahead of the deeper Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic.
Portugal vs Croatia Line-ups
Portugal: Costa - Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes - Vitinha, J Neves - Neto, Fernandes, Felix - Ronaldo.
Croatia: Livakovic - Stanisic, Pongracic, Sutalo, Perisic - Modric, Kovacic - Vlasic, Sucic, Baturina - Budimir.
18+ Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. Gambleaware.org
Sportsbook Expert
Betting online since 2007, James Wilkerson has a keen eye for detail when it comes sportsbooks. Primarily a football bettor, he is a huge fan of watching the matches live, and is here to give you insight from his experience.