Sports

Euro 2016 – Croatia v Portugal

Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens – Sunday 26th June, 3AM AWST

Recent Form

Croatia 2 v Spain 1

Hungary 3 – Portugal 3

Head to head

Portugal 3 – Croatia 0 – Draw 0

Recent match

2013 International friendly– Croatia 0 – Portugal 1

Match Overview

Croatia enter this crucial match with the prospect of not having their most important player Luka Modric again, after he was injured in the Czech Republic clash. Young midfielder Marko Rog has a chance to deputize for Modric. Striker Mario Mandzukic is also in doubt.

For Portugal, midfielder Andre Gomes and wing-back Raphael Gurreiro remain in some doubt with thigh injuries which were hampering them before the match against Hungary.

Croatia upset most tipster’s projections when they defeated Spain 2-1. After the Spaniards had scored early through Morata, Croatia hit back hard when Nikola Kalinic scored just before half time.

In the second half Spain missed a penalty, the Croatians scored through Ivan Perisic and Croatia to finished atop of Group D. This result left Spain in second place with the prospect of playing Italy in the next stage.

at first Portugal had been stuttering through the first two games of Euro 2016,  they only scored one goal in two matches. This was before their attack came alive with three goals against Hungary.

Unfortunately their defense leaked three goals in return, however the 3-3 result was enough for Portugal to sneak through to the last 16 as a best performing 3rd place finisher.

Ronaldo finally got on the score sheets with two goals, and with Nani scoring his second of the tournament it’s a sign that Portugal are close to hitting top form.

Watch the team sheets but it is so hard making a case for Croatia to defeat Portugal without Modric.  Spain had 59% possession versus Croatia and if they allow Portugal to have that much control, expect the Portuguese to score and win.

Player Watch

For Portugal it has to be Ronaldo.  Expect him to be paired with Nani up front and this former Manchester United double act, can cause Croatia a lot of heartache.

Croatian striker Ivan Perisic has hit the score sheets twice this tournament and will again be expected to score if Croatia are to win.

Match Result

Portugal 2-1

Bet Suggestions

Option 1 – Portugal $3.10*

Option 2 – Game Total 2.5 OVER $2.75*

Option 3- First Goal Scorer – Ronaldo $4.25* and Nani $9*

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