The Portugal National Football Team vs Croatia National Football Team match in the UEFA Nations League 2024–25 was an exciting encounter that took place on November 18, 2024 at the Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia. This fixture was crucial for Croatia, who needed a point to ensure their progression to the quarter-finals, while Portugal had already secured the top spot in Group A1. With both teams having different stakes, the lineup decisions made by the coaches played a pivotal role in shaping the match. Let’s dive into the Portugal National Football Team vs Croatia National Football Team lineups, analyzing each team’s approach and tactics.
Croatia National Football Team Predicted Lineup
Croatia entered the game with a tactical formation of 3-4-3, aiming to balance defense and attack effectively. The 3-4-3 system was designed to give Croatia the flexibility to press high while maintaining defensive solidity.
Croatia Starting XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Dominik Livaković |
| Defenders | Josip Šutalo, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Joško Gvardiol |
| Midfielders | Ivan Perišić, Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Borna Sosa |
| Forwards | Andrej Kramarić, Igor Matanović, Martin Baturina |
Analysis of Croatia’s Lineup
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Dominik Livaković was Croatia’s last line of defense, trusted to provide the necessary saves.
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Josip Šutalo, Duje Ćaleta-Car, and Joško Gvardiol formed the defensive three, ensuring that the Croatian defense remained compact while being able to distribute the ball efficiently.
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In midfield, Luka Modrić, the veteran playmaker, was the heartbeat of Croatia’s passing game. Alongside him were Mateo Kovačić and Ivan Perišić, offering balance with their work rate and creativity.
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The wingers, Borna Sosa and Perišić, were expected to offer width and pace, supporting both defensive and attacking plays.
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Andrej Kramarić and Igor Matanović were tasked with leading the attack, supported by Martin Baturina in a more flexible forward role.
The approach here was clear: Croatia would rely on their midfield trio to dominate possession, with Perišić and Sosa stretching the play on the flanks. Kramarić was the primary goal threat up front, supported by the industrious Matanović.
Portugal National Football Team Predicted Lineup
In contrast, Portugal opted for a 3-5-2 formation, which focused on midfield dominance and providing versatile attacking options. With Cristiano Ronaldo absent due to injury, Portugal’s head coach relied on younger players to step up, providing fresh energy and creativity.
Portugal Starting XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | José Sá |
| Defenders | Tomas Araujo, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes |
| Midfielders | Nélson Semedo, Otávio, João Neves, Vitinha, João Cancelo |
| Forwards | João Félix, Rafael Leão |
Analysis of Portugal’s Lineup
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José Sá stood in goal, tasked with ensuring that Portugal’s defensive stability held firm.
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The defensive trio of Tomas Araujo, Renato Veiga, and Nuno Mendes were crucial in providing a solid foundation, while also playing out from the back when possible.
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In midfield, João Neves and Vitinha were tasked with controlling the tempo of the game, alongside Otávio and João Cancelo, who offered width and dynamic attacking runs.
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João Félix and Rafael Leão formed a two-pronged attack, with both players capable of creating chances and scoring goals. Their combination of speed and technical skill made them a constant threat to Croatia’s defense.
The Portugal National Football Team lineup was designed to maintain possession, press high, and exploit Croatia’s weaknesses on the counter. With Ronaldo absent, young players like João Félix were given a chance to prove their worth on the international stage.
Key Match Highlights: Portugal National Football Team vs Croatia National Football Team
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that allowed both teams to progress. João Félix opened the scoring for Portugal in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on a brilliant assist from Vitinha. However, Croatia equalized in the 65th minute through Joško Gvardiol, who pounced on a rebound and scored to ensure Croatia’s advancement to the quarter-finals.
Key Insights from the Match
Croatia’s Tactical Setup
The 3-4-3 formation provided Croatia with the width needed to stretch Portugal’s defense. However, despite strong midfield control through Modrić and Kovačić, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their defense remained relatively compact, with Gvardiol and Ćaleta-Car stepping up to deal with Portugal’s attacking threats.
Portugal’s Adaptability
With Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined, Portugal’s squad depth was on display. João Félix and Rafael Leão provided the attacking spark, and young talents like João Neves and Vitinha ensured that Portugal maintained midfield dominance. The 3-5-2 system gave Portugal the flexibility to control the ball, build from the back, and exploit spaces in Croatia’s defense.
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Comparison of the Lineups
| Aspect | Portugal National Football Team | Croatia National Football Team |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | 3-5-2 | 3-4-3 |
| Key Midfielders | João Neves, Vitinha, João Cancelo, Otávio | Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Ivan Perišić |
| Attackers | João Félix, Rafael Leão | Andrej Kramarić, Igor Matanović, Martin Baturina |
| Strengths | Strong midfield, versatile attacking play | Midfield control, width from full-backs and wingers |
| Weaknesses | Lack of experience without Ronaldo | Difficulty breaking down solid defenses |
Conclusion: Portugal National Football Team vs Croatia National Football Team Lineups
The Portugal National Football Team vs Croatia National Football Team lineups provided a tactical battle full of interesting matchups. Croatia’s experienced midfield and solid defense clashed with Portugal’s fluid attacking play and midfield dominance. Despite both teams having different lineups and strategies, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, which allowed both teams to move on in the competition.
For Portugal, the match highlighted the depth and quality within their squad, especially in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Croatia, on the other hand, demonstrated their resilience and tactical understanding, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
As the UEFA Nations League progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Portugal continuing to showcase their squad depth and Croatia aiming to utilize their experience and midfield strength in future encounters.
