International Friendlies
Jun 8, 2024 5.45pm
1
2
HT : 0 1
FT Estadio Nacional
  • Diogo Jota 48' goal
  • Joao Cancelo 77' yellowcard
  • goal Luka Modric 8'
  • yellowcard Ante Budimir 40'
  • goal Ante Budimir 56'
  • yellowcard Marcelo Brozovic 59'
  • yellowcard Luka Ivanusec 90'+1'

How Portugal could line up against Croatia

How Portugal could line up against Croatia

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be named in the Portugal XI for Saturday's international friendly against Croatia, as Roberto Martinez's side continue their preparations for Euro 2024.

The 39-year-old, who has scored 128 goals for his country, was rested for Portugal's 4-2 success over Finland on Tuesday night.

Ronaldo is expected to be in the side for the game against Croatia, though, with the Euro 2016 winners then facing the Republic of Ireland on June 11 ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic on June 18.

Martinez will make changes from the side that started against Finland, with Diogo Costa, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot all in line for starts.

Rafael Leao and Diogo Jota could retain their spots in the final third of the field, though, while Antonio Silva should again be given the nod in the middle of the defence.

Bernardo might feature in a deeper position for Portugal here, with Vitinha and Joao Neves potentially both dropping down to the bench.

Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos will also be among the attackers hoping to gain minutes in the team's penultimate fixture before the start of Euro 2024.

Francisco Conceicao played the full 90 minutes against Finland on just his second appearance for his country, but the 21-year-old is expected to drop to the bench for this match.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Dalot, A Silva, Dias, Cancelo; Fernandes, Palhinha, Bernardo; Jota, Ronaldo, Leao

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POLL
Who will win Saturday's friendly clash between Portugal and Croatia?
Portugal 73%
Draw 14%
Croatia 14%
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