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Croatia and Portugal will square off in the most anticipated match of the Euro 2016 knockout stage day 1, with the Croatians hopeful to have Modric and Mandzukic ready to go, as they are both slightly questionable ahead of the game.
Croatia had an excellent campaign in the group stages, playing a solid match to defeat Turkey 1-0, leading Czech Republic 2-0 until a late collapse made it 2-2 in that match and finally beating Spain 2-1 in the last outing. The match against Spain was particularly impressive, as both teams would have been satisfied with a draw, but Croatia managed to get the result despite falling down 0-1 early. With the top players performing and with a single defeat in the last 16 matches, Croatia looks really good coming into this Round 16 match with Portugal.
Ronaldo’s Portugal managed to qualify despite not winning a single game in the group stages. 3 draws got them trough, but Portugal is looking as shaky as ever coming into the knockout round. Overrated by most experts, Portugal doesn`t exactly have a World class team and it`s the same story with them as it has always been – talented players which don`t play well tactically and often choose solutions which are detrimental to the team. They also have some very weak spots, particularly in defense. After 1-1 with Iceland and 0-0 with Austria (matches Portugal deserved to win), they were embarrassed by an already qualified Hungary in a 3-3 draw. Credit to Portugal for being involved in one of the only interesting matches of Euro 2016, but they were put to shame by a Hungarian team that seemed to play for fun and led 3 times.
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Team news & lineups:
Modric and Mandzukic are both doubtful for Croatia and if they miss out, the whole complexity of the game could change. However, both are expected to feature and at least one should be in the starting lineup. Modric seems to have very good chances to start according to reports. For Portugal, Guerreiro is questionable.
Croatia: Subasic – Srna, Corluka, Vida, Strinic – Badelj, Modric – Brozovic, Rakitic, Perisic – Kalinic (Mandzukic)
Portugal: Patricio – Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro – Gomes, Carvalho, Moutinho – Quaresma, Ronaldo, Nani
Portugal might have a number of big names and Cristiano Ronaldo in their team, but they are a disorganized bunch and many of those big name players are way over their expiration date. There`s a lot of individual play in the Portugese team and it rarely works against the top sides.
Meanwhile, Croatia is a side that knows how to play tactically, is in good form and has a better team than Portugal. The Croatians have better players, that is a fact and they definitely played better football in this tournament.
I am backing the better team here, a team that is much better organized, has better individual quality and is in much better form. Croatia also knows how to play like a team, something which is Portugal’s biggest weakness. My tip here is Croatia to qualify and I would not be surprised if they pull off the result in 90 minutes. Anything else than Croatia to qualify will be a bigger upset than the odds suggest, even if one of Modric and Mandzukic does not start (the first one being, obviously, more important). Anywat, Croatia still defeated Spain without these two. Prediction: Croatia – Portugal 2-1.
Pick: Croatia to qualify
Odds: 1.82 @ Ohmbet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 7.38
Event date: 25 June
