Portugal’s Predicted Starting XI Against Croatia

Portugal and Croatia will meet in the Round of 32 in Toronto on Friday at 5:00 AM Bangladesh time. The winner will secure a place in the Round of 16.

Whose heart will be broken, and who will celebrate—Ronaldo or Modrić? That is the big question ahead of this highly anticipated clash. Both legendary players are expected to be in their respective starting lineups.

This is also expected to be the final World Cup for both Ronaldo and Modrić. The Round of 32 could mark the beginning of the “last dance” for one of these football icons.

Before the match, let’s take a look at the probable starting lineups and tactical setups for both teams.

Portugal are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Croatia are also likely to use the same system.

Portugal used this formation in their final group-stage match against Colombia, and Croatia deployed the same setup in their last group-stage game against Ghana.

Portugal are unlikely to make any changes to their starting XI. Croatia, however, could make two adjustments.

Against Ghana, Ivan Perišić started in a defensive role. He is expected to return to his usual position in attack, with Joško Gvardiol likely to come back into the defensive line. As a result, midfielder Nikola Vlašić could miss out on the starting lineup.

Portugal Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Croatia Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić, Joško Gvardiol; Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić; Petar Sučić, Martin Baturina, Ivan Perišić; Ante Budimir.