As Croatia and Portugal prepare to lock horns in the round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2016, both teams will be coming into this match having experienced vastly different qualifying campaigns. For the Vatreni, they impressed during their group stage matches as they made it through without a defeat. By contrast, Portugal also successfully completed their group stage campaign sans a loss, but they were far from impressive and will be hoping to rebound in Saturday's crunch clash at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Croatia
Ante Cacic's men come into this game brimming with confidence after successfully seeing off Spain 2-1 in their last group stage match. La Furia Roja were viewed as the favorites to win, or at the very least, walk away with a draw. After all, Spain not only were on an impressive and unprecedented 14 match winning streak, but also had not conceded a goal in 690 minutes of action. And after Alvaro Morata's early goal, it appeared that the reigning champions would be continuing in that same vein of form to top Group C.
However, despite not having key men Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic on the pitch, and despite Cacic using a slew of younger, inexperienced players, Croatia were able to claw their way back to seal a much-needed win and all three points. As a result, they pipped Spain to top spot, with seven points earned, and set up a very interesting round of 16 clash with Portugal.
Ivan Perisic's late goal was enough to give the Vatreni all three points against Spain on Tuesday
To date, Perisic has been directly involved in seven goals for Croatia at major tournaments (four goals and three assists); only the legendary Davor Suker has fared better (nine goals and one assist). The Inter Milan man has two goals so far and will be keen on adding more to his growing tally this Saturday.
Meanwhile, both Modric and Mandzukic are still in doubt for this match due to their respective injuries. Nonetheless, Fiorentina striker Nikola Kalinic, who scored Croatia's first goal against Spain with a cheeky backheel, showed that he is more than capable of filling in for the Juventus striker.
Cacic will also be hoping that several other key players, including captain Darijo Srna, Ivan Strinic, Milan Badelj, and the aforementioned Perisic stay out of trouble during this game, as all are one booking away from a ban.
Portugal
If Croatia are brimming with confidence, Portugal are probably devoid of it. Fernando Santos's side have not impressed so far at this tournament and will be keen on getting back on track in this upcoming match. The 2004 Euro finalists were placed into a relatively easy group and were expected to win it without any trouble - with only potential dark horses Austria being their only challengers.
However, football indeed is an unpredictable thing. Portugal were given a rude shock as they had to settle for a one-all draw against debutants Iceland, in a game that left star man Cristiano Ronaldo fuming due to the minnows' ultra-defensive approach. Still reeling from dropping two points against a nation with just over 300,000 people (the smallest ever country to feature at an international tournament), Santos's men were unable to make a breakthrough against Austria.
And finally, they were really frustrated by surprise group winners Hungary in a highly entertaining, end-to-end thriller that saw six goals scored, including five in just 15 minutes during the second half. CR7 was able to finally open his account, but it was not enough to fire his side to a much-needed win. As such, they now come into this game desperate to make amends, maintain their good record against Croatia, and of course, book a spot in the quarter-finals - and perhaps beyond.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at 4 Euro tournaments with his well-taken brace against Hungary on Wednesday
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So far, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani have been the go-to men for Portugal. In fact, between the two players, they have scored all seven of Portugal's recent goals at Euro tournaments, with five for CR7 and two for Nani. This includes, of course, three so far at this year's edition.
Santos will have most of his squad available, with the exception of midfielder Andre Gomes and defender Raphael Gurreiro, who will have to pass a late fitness test to determine their availability. In addition, key attacker Ricardo Quaresma is one booking away for a ban. And not surprisingly, combative defender Pepe will also have to tread lightly as he is also in danger of missing out on a potential quarter-finals match if he picks up another yellow card.
Which channel is broadcasting Croatia vs Portugal on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are all the choices for fans residing elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.00 EST on: ESPN, ESPN3 USA, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN Deportes Radio
- In Croatia at 21.00 CET on: HRT 2
- In Portugal at 20.00 WET on: Sport TV1
- In France at 21.00 CET on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT France, beIN Sports 1
- In the UK at 20.00 BST on: ITV 1 UK, The ITV Hub, TalkSport Radio UK, BBC Radio 5 Live
- In Canada at 15.00 ET on: TSN1, TSN5, TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver, RDS, TSN3, TSN4
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Croatia vs. Portugal broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Croatia vs Portugal - Facts & Stats
- Portugal's record with Croatia stands as: 3 wins, 6 goals scored, and zero condeded
- Croatia have only lost one of their past 10 Euro matches (1-0 versus Spain in June 2012)
- The Vatreni have also failed to score in only one out of their last 12 Euro matches (during the loss to Spain at Euro 2012)
- Portugal have played the most games at a Euro championship without ever winning the trophy (31 matches and counting)
- Portugal are sans a loss in their last 10 competitive matches (seven wins, three draws)
- All seven wins were by a single goal
- Croatia have not lost in their last 10 international matches (eight wins, two draws) - which is the best record of any side competing at this summer's Euro tournament
- Although Portugal have not won so far at this tournament (three draws), they have still made it to the knockout rounds in every single one of their past Euro competitions (a total of seven times)
- Croatia and Portugal's only competitive match was during the group stages at Euro 1996. Portugal cruised to a 3-0 win
- The only time Croatia have ever won knockout round matches at a major tournament was at the 1998 World Cup. They won three matches to end up finishing in third
- The last time they got to the knockout rounds at a Euro tournament (in 2008), they were beaten in the quarter-finals by Turkey on penalties
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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