Portugal vs Croatia World Cup Round of 32 Preview, Analysis and Prediction

Two famous European football nations clash in Toronto on Friday to find out who goes through to the last 16 of the competition. Both teams finished second in their respective groups, and both teams have creative quality to unlock any defence. Portugal are unbeaten in their last four matches against Croatia; Portugal have won three, and there was a draw. 

Players To Watch

In Portugal’s last 10 competitive matches, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 8 times, with Fernandes and Neves hitting the net 4 and 3 times respectively. When it comes to assists, Fernandes and Neto stand out for Portugal with 3, and goalkeeper Diogo Costa has 4 clean sheets. Croatia’s top scorer over 10 competitive matches is Andrej Kramaric with 4; Perisic and Vlasic have 3. Assists go to Modric and Stanisic with 3 each. The goalkeeper has kept 4 clean sheets in 10. 

Our Prediction for the Match

Croatia have made it to the semi-finals in the last three World Cup tournaments, so they have competition experience. Portugal has the stronger team on paper and a younger team.

We expect there to be goals and both teams to score, but Portugal to edge it.