Croatia will travel to Portugal, as the two nations prepare to meet on Saturday at Stadio do Dragao in a match of UEFA’s Nations League cup. The two nations were drawn in group 3 alongside the teams of France and Sweden. Portugal are the reigning champions, having triumphed in the final of the first edition against Netherlands in the summer of 2019.

Portugal vs Croatia Head to Head

Last game between the teams: 06.09.2018 International Friendly: Portugal – Croatia 1:1; Pepe 32’; Ivan Perisic 18’

Last game on Portuguese soil: 06.09.2018 International Friendly: Portugal – Croatia 1:1; Pepe 32’; Ivan Perisic 18’

Worth mentioning: Portugal and Croatia have met five times in the history so far, with the most recent encounter dating back to 2018 when they finished in 1:1 stalemate in a friendly. The Portuguese are still unbeaten, after recording victories in each of the first three head-to-head clashes and the last two ended in draws. 

The goal scored by Ivan Perisic in the most recent match was the first in Portugal’s net, as Croatia failed to hit the back of the nets in any of the first four fixtures. Just one of the matches featured over 3 goals, and also one witnessed goals at both ends.

Portugal vs Croatia Stats

Last game Portugal: 17.11.2019 Euro Qualifications: Luxembourg – Portugal 0:2; Bruno Fernandes 39’, Cristiano Ronaldo 86’

Next game Portugal: 08.09.2020 UEFA Nations League: Sweden – Portugal

Last game Croatia: 19.11.2019 International Friendly: Croatia – Georgia 2:1; Guram Kashia 25’(own goal), Ivan Perisic 53’; Giorgi Papunashvili 18’

Next game Croatia: 08.09.2020 UEFA Nations League: France – Croatia

Worth mentioning: Portugal defeated Luxembourg with 0:2 away from home in the nation’s last match back in November of 2019. The Iberians are on a run of two back-to-back victories, both achieved by also keeping clean sheets. 

Portugal lost just one of its previous sixteen matches, going 2:1 only in the visit to Ukraine. No draw has been registered in their last eight encounters. All but the most recent of Portugal’s last five outings resulted in over 3 goals, as two saw both involved nations to score.

Croatia prevailed with 2:1 score over Georgia in the country’s last game. The Croats are unbeaten in their last six meetings, recording four triumphs and two draws in the process. Just two of their last twenty encounters ended in wins for the visiting teams. 

Croatia lost each of the previous three games in which they conceded more than a goal, with all three ending with the same score of 2:1. Three of their last five outings produced over 3 goals, while four witnessed goals at both ends.

Portugal vs Croatia News

Missing players Portugal: No reports of injuries or suspensions.

Missing players Croatia: No reports of injuries or suspensions.

Manchester United have tabled a bid for Sergio Reguilón.

The traditional Old Trafford style of football has always relied quite heavily on flankmen and wingers to build the attack. As such, the roles on either side play a crucial part in the fortunes of any United side that has gone on to win big.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær is keen on replicating that level of past success and for that, he will require key players in every spot.

By securing the signing of Donny van de Beek, the Norwegian certainly has enviable options in the midfield.

However, he could now that extend that same level of squad depth to their left flank too.

Manchester United have tabled a bid to sign Sergio Reguilón from Real Madrid. The 23-year-old Spaniard did exceptionally well on loan with Sevilla last season but it is understood that Zinedine Zidane does not see a regular role for him ahead of his first-choice options of Marcelo and Ferland Mendy.

United are amongst several big clubs interested in making the left-back their own.

This source, however, names United and Sevilla to be the top names keen on making the deal. However, the Premier League outfit may be the only side interested in buying as Sevilla are merely interested in one more loan spell.

Further, Madrid could sell the player for around €25-30 million now but include a buy-back clause to hold hope of a future with their academy graduate. United are believed to be open to offer him a long-term deal.

That is understandable given the fitness concerns of Luke Shaw and the fact that academy graduate Brandon Williams still only has a few months of top-level football under his belt.