Portugal and Croatia collide in what promises to be a competitive group also featuring Poland and Scotland.
Roberto Martinez has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal when it comes to attacking options and his side should be more than capable of handling whatever the visitors throw at them.
It remains to be seen what Cristiano Ronaldo still has in the tank at international level but Martinez will be keen to ensure the focus is solely on getting three points against a team capable of pulling off an upset.
With football odds galore available at Bet777, check out our preview of what promises to be an entertaining affair in Lisbon.
We have also thrown in some tips for good measure as further proof — should you need it — that all your betting needs are covered 24/7.
Portugal vs Croatia
Thursday, September 5, 7.45pm
Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Lisbon
Portugal vs Croatia Preview
Martinez may want to talk about more than Ronaldo but there can be no escaping the fact that the superstar’s shadow still looms large over his side.
The Al-Nassr man failed to find the net at Euro 2024 and many felt his presence held the team back.
Portugal bowed out in the quarter-finals and it was widely expected that Ronaldo, 39, would retire from international duty. But while fellow golden oldie Pepe did just that, his countryman decided to stick around.
However, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace may have to settle for a bit-part role as Martinez looks to accommodate a wealth of talent, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao, in his XI.
Croatia failed to progress from the group stage in Germany and will hope to start making amends by overcoming the odds in Portugal.
After seeing Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic call time on their international careers, boss Zlatko Dalic breathed a sigh of relief when veteran midfielder Luka Modric — who turns 39 on Monday — opted to play on.
Latest Nations League Betting Odds
*All odds subject to change
With home advantage in their favour, Portugal are available at 1.52 to win. A draw offers better value at 4.10 and an away success is a tempting 6.00.
Portugal vs Croatia Betting Tips
If you do not want to jump on the Ronaldo bandwagon, Goncalo Ramos and Diogo Jota are both priced at 6.00 to be first goalscorer. And if you believe it will be Croatia to break the deadlock, there is a tasty 11.00 available on Igor Matanovic.
Bet Builder Quick Bets: Portugal to win, over 2.5 goals & Ronaldo to score anytime – 3.20
Wherever Ronaldo goes, goals usually follow. And Martinez will hope his talisman can silence some of the noise around his continued involvement by finding the back of the net. With 130 goals in 212 appearances for his country, it would certainly come as no surprise if the veteran superstar adds to his tally.
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