At Estádio da Luz, for the duel with the Croatians, coach Roberto Martínez opted to reinforce the offensive sector by betting on winger Pedro Neto, leaving on the bench, for example, João Palhinha, a midfielder with more defensive duties and who ended Euro2024 as a starter.
With João Cancelo out of the squad due to lack of rhythm, Diogo Dalot took over from Nelson Semedo on the right wing, in a starting team made up 100% of players who were present at the last European Championship, which took place in Germany.
As expected, captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be the most advanced figure in the national team and will have the support of Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto, ahead of a midfield made up of Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, with the Paris Saint-Germain player, due to Palhinha’s absence, having to play a little further back.
In goal, Diogo Costa continues to be the master of the position and will have a central duo of Rúben Dias and Gonçalo Inácio in front of him, with Nuno Mendes on the left and Diogo Dalot on the right.
On Croatia’s side, the highlight is the starting role of captain Luka Modric, who, at 38 years of age, continues to be the leading figure in the Balkan team.
Portugal-Croatia, from group A1 of the Nations League, is scheduled for 19:45 and will be refereed by Turkish Umut Meler.
Before kick-off, former central defender Pepe, who ended his career at the age of 41 after participating in the European Championship, will be honoured.
On Sunday, the national team will face Scotland, also at Estádio da Luz and also starting at 19:45.
Portugal is in Group A1, which also includes Poland, as well as the Croatians and the Scots.
Portugal won the first edition of the Nations League in 2019, having then failed to qualify for the ‘final four’ in 2020/21 and 2022/23.
LG/DYRP/CYP // VR
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