Croatia welcome Portugal to the Stadion Poljud in Split on Monday evening their last clash in League A Group 1 where. With a demanding lead in the group Portugal has already secured the top spot, meaning that no matter the outcome of this game, they win the group. Croatia on the other hand either need to secure at least a point themselves, or they need a win from Poland who face Scotland.
The stakes are high for Croatia who require a single point to guarantee their place in the knockout stages while Portugal have already cemented their position as group winners and are preparing for the quarter finals. Croatia are under pressure after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Scotland in their last match conceding a late goal in the 86th minute. Zlatko Dalic's side could still lose their grip on the second qualification spot if they fail to earn a point and Scotland overcome Poland. If Scotland dose not secure a win in their game against Poland the results of this game won’t matter taking away some pressure from Zlatko.
Portugal arrive in Split with confidence after their crushing 5-1 win over Poland on Friday. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to make history at 39 as he bagged two goals which included a spectacular overhead kick recording his 132nd international victory breaking Sergio Ramos's record. Other goals from Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto rounded off a dominant performance. Having dropped points only once in the group a draw against Scotland, Portugal have been commanding in this campaign. Roberto Martinez's side has also been solid defensively conceding more than once in a match only one time since June.
Croatia’s number 10 Petar Sucic is suspended following a red card against Scotland and Mario Pasalic or Nikola Vlasic could fill his role. Ante Budimir and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic return from bans while Kristijan Jakic is doubtful due to injury.
Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes suspended Martinez has rotated calling up Fabio Silva and Geovany Quenda. Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo and Vitinha are expected to start.
Croatia possible lineup: Livakovic; Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; L. Sucic, Pasalic, Perisic; Kramaric
Portugal possible lineup: R. Silva; Cancelo, Djalo, Araujo, Tavares; Vitinha, Neves; Conceicao, Felix, Trincao; F. Silva
