Portugal will look to move on from their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign as they host Croatia in Group A1's opening match of the 2024/25 UEFA Nation's League.
Roberto Martinez's side were one of the favorites to win this year's UEFA European Championship, however, they were knocked out by France in the quarterfinals.
Croatia, runners up of the previous edition, have surprised many with their performances in international tournaments over the last decade, but the perennial dark horses had a lackluster Euro 2024 outing, where they failed to make it past the group stage.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Portugal vs. Croatia live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this UEFA Nations League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: ViX
This game is unfortunately not available for live TV Broadcast for viewers residing in the United States. Streaming options are available on ViX.
If this match is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favourite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
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What time does Portugal vs. Croatia kick off?
This UEFA Nations League clash takes place at the Estádio do SL Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal and kicks off on Thursday, September 5 at 7:45 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Thu, Sep. 5 | 2:45 p.m. |
| Central Time | Thu, Sep. 5 | 1:45 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Thu, Sep. 5 | 12:45 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Thu, Sep. 5 | 11:45 a.m. |
Portugal vs. Croatia lineups, team news
Roberto Martinez has injected youth into his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, including Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos. Veterans such as Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, and Francisco Conceicao have been dropped.
Additionally, Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao, and Rui Silva have been recalled to the squad. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected again to lead this young Portuguese side from the front.
Portugal predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Costa(GK) — Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes — Palhinha, Vitinha — B. Silva, Fernades, Leao — Ronaldo.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Croatia come into this game with a heavily depleted squad due to multiple injuries. Lovro Majer, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic have been ruled out against Portugal as well as against Poland, while Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car remains a doubt after sustaining a knock last weekend.
Additionally, Zlatko Dalic's side won't have veterans Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic for selection as the duo have retired from international football. Due to the lack of personnel in defence, Dalic has suggested that any one of Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, or even winger Marko Pjaca may start at right-back.
Croatia predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Livakovic(GK) — Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa — Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic — Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec.
Injured: Majer, Stanisic, Erlic, Fati, Caleta-Car
Suspended: None
Portugal vs. Croatia Prediction
Although Croatia won the most recent meeting between the two sides earlier this year, Portugal's historical edge over them (having won 5 of the last 8 fixtures) would see them as favorites heading into this match.
The match could be an end-to-end affair that goes down to the last minute, however, Portugal have age and squad depth in their favor which could see them edge out Croatia as victors.
- Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia
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