Portugal vs Croatia: World Cup Round of 32 Preview

Portugal and Croatia meet at BMO Field in Toronto in a World Cup Round of 32 tie that looks finely poised. Portugal progressed from Group K in second place, collecting 5 points with a strong goal difference of +5 and a compact form line of DWD. Croatia also finished second in Group L with 6 points and a neutral goal difference, their form reading WWL.

Stats suggest Portugal arrive with the more balanced profile: unbeaten in three, they have scored 6 and conceded just 1, including a dominant 5-0 home win in the group stage. Croatia’s matches have been far more open, with 5 goals scored and 5 conceded across their three fixtures, and no draws.

Head-to-Head Meetings

Head-to-head meetings in competitive action have recently tilted Portugal’s way. In the 2024 UEFA Nations League, Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in Lisbon, while the reverse fixture in Split ended 1-1. Back in 2020, Portugal also recorded a 4-1 home win and a 3-2 away victory.

With Portugal’s defensive solidity and superior recent record against Croatia, form points to the European champions advancing from this Round of 32 clash.