Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and the confirmed lineups for Portugal vs Croatia at Toronto Stadium, in a 00:00 GMT kick-off on July 2. Portugal starts the game as favourites, but Croatia have won two games in a row after losing to England in their first game. It’s the last 32, so the winner stays on.
Portugal vs Croatia, Team News and Confirmed Lineups
Portugal Team News
Looking ahead to the knockout stages, Roberto Martinez said:
“We’ve just finished the first World Cup and now we’re beginning the second World Cup. Only once that one is over can we give a final assessment. What matters is what we did in difficult situations [against Colombia]: defending the final third, showing a lot of defensive intensity and resilience, and keeping a clean sheet. We know Croatia very well, it will be a different game and we’re well prepared. What I can promise the Portuguese people is attitude, effort and all the values of the Portuguese people that are there in the dressing room, ready to begin a new path tomorrow.”
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Roberto Martinez’s team appeared to miss Joao Neves against Colombia, who was surprisingly dropped. Rafael Leao is another pushing for a start, with Martinez having no fresh injury worries.
Croatia Team News
Zlatko Dalic has no injury concerns ahead of this last 32 clash against Portugal. The biggest decision for Dalic is whether he will recall Josko Gvardiol. His experience will be invaluable against the likes of Pedro Neto and Joao Felix.
Read More: Updated 2026 World Cup Power Rankings For the Final 32: Can Anyone Stop Lionel Messi?
Portugal Confirmed Lineup
This section will be updated once the lineup is confirmed.
Croatia Confirmed Lineup
This section will be updated once the lineup is confirmed.
Featured Image Credit:
REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
