Last Dance for two Legends?

Portugal and Croatia meet in Toronto on Friday morning with a place in the Round of 16 on the line, as two experienced European nations battle to keep their title hopes alive. Let’s take a closer look at Portugal – Croatia, where the Portuguese are odds favourites!

Match Analysis

Portugal may have reached the knockout rounds unbeaten, but Roberto Martinez will know there is still room for improvement.

The Selecao opened with a frustrating draw against DR Congo before producing an emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, where Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice. Their final group match ended goalless against Colombia in a contest where Portugal spent long periods under pressure but still secured the point they needed.

Finishing second, however, has left them with a far more demanding route through the tournament. Victory here could set up a meeting with Spain, underlining the importance of finding another level as the knockout phase begins.

Portugal do have reasons to feel optimistic. They have now gone eight matches without defeat, conceding only four goals during that run, while history also favours them after eliminating Croatia in 2016 when they became European champions.

Croatia arrive with their usual reputation as tournament specialists. After finishing runners-up in 2018 and third four years later, Zlatko Dalic’s side once again negotiated a difficult group despite losing heavily to England in their opening fixture. Successive victories over Panama and Ghana secured progression, with Luka Modric continuing to influence games despite becoming the oldest player to register an assist in the tournament.

The concern for Croatia is that recent results suggest they have struggled against the very strongest opposition. Four of their last six defeats have come against higher-ranked nations, and Portugal fall into that category.

The head-to-head record also leans towards the Selecao. Portugal have won seven of the previous ten meetings and five of the last six competitive encounters, although the nations shared a draw in 2024.

Team News

Portugal reported no fresh injury concerns following the draw with Colombia, allowing Martinez plenty of flexibility when selecting his side. Joao Neves is expected to return to midfield alongside Vitinha, with Bruno Fernandes operating behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo should continue in defence in front of goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Croatia also came through their final group game without new fitness problems. Josko Gvardiol is expected to return at left-back after being rested against Ghana, allowing Ivan Perisic to move further forward. Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic are set to anchor midfield, while Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic have both strengthened their claims for starting places after making decisive contributions in the group stage.

Odds and Tips

This has all the ingredients of one of the standout ties in the round of 32. Croatia have repeatedly shown they thrive on the biggest stage, but Portugal appear to have slightly greater balance throughout the squad and carry a stronger recent record in this fixture. It would be no surprise if the contest remained close throughout, but the Selecao look capable of finding the decisive moment.

Tip: Portugal to win at 1.82.

Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, which you can read more about here.

Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 01.07.26