EM test match, Saturday, 08.06.2024
With all the hard work I’ve put into researching the best European Championship bonus offers, I first had to find the time to take a closer look at this tidbit.
In my Portugal Croatia prediction, I came to the conclusion that the Iberians will probably not show the same intensity in the upcoming test as they will in the opening game against the Czech Republic
What a great game awaits us on Saturday! After their must-win over North Macedonia, Portugal will be just the right test for Croatia as they prepare for their two tricky group games against Spain and Italy.
Strictly speaking, the majority of the way into the knockout phase is via third place, but if you want to win the title, you have to try to get the better of one of these two opponents in the preliminary round.
Portugal, on the other hand, are one of the very few teams to have scheduled three test matches in June before the official kick-off on the 14th. These are the agreed friendlies against Finland, Croatia and Ireland.
Portugal is not just a secret favorite on paper, but a team that could well make it to the final even if it is not a secret.
While Croatia’s ageing superstars cannot be equally replaced by talented youngsters, Portugal is well-staffed in all positions over the years.
Watch out: Once we look at the line-up in detail, you will immediately understand why the “Seleção” not only won every international match in the 2023 calendar year, but with the exception of the 3:2 against Slovakia, they also won every single one!
Portugal have been able to nominate players for the defense and midfield who will make most of the other European Championship participants green with envy.
The core of the defense is very experienced and includes world-class players such as Danilo Pereira (PSG), Ruben Dias (ManCity), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG) and Diogo Dalot (ManUtd).
In midfield, there is no lack of quality, with Bernardo Silva (ManCity), Bruno Fernandes (ManUtd), Vitinha (PSG) and Matheus Nunes (ManCity) among the world-class players nominated.
And in attack? With João Félix (Barcelona), Diogo Jota (Liverpool) and Rafael Leão (Milan), there are talented players ready to take over from CR7.
At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo is also back in the squad, but given the wealth of quality in the squad, it is unlikely that he will be on the pitch for more than 30 minutes per game
Given the fact that Portugal played Finland a few days ago and will soon face Ireland, the number of top players who have already been dealt with means that a lot of rotation is to be expected in all positions.
While the “Seleção” should be able to beat their upcoming opponents at the European Championship, Croatia should now benefit from the fact that the result is still secondary for the Iberians due to the nature of the test match on Saturday.
Precisely because the European Championship betting providers assess the situation very differently, it is worth torpedoing the Portugal Croatia odds with a double chance X2 bet. Because for this you get on average considerable odds of around 2.10.
Croatia, meanwhile, played one less test match than Portugal in June and also successfully completed the first exchange of blows against North Macedonia last Monday (3:0).
Lovro Majer scored two goals in the clear victory in the Balkan derby, while Luka Modric was deliberately rested after winning the Champions League final shortly before.
Precisely because Croatia are now playing their last test match and are prepared to invest more energy, I expect them to show more commitment than Portugal
In addition, the Croats could also be spurred on by the desire to record their first win against this unwelcome opponent.
Just as almost all of the major soccer powers fear a World Cup or European Championship clash against the passionate Croatians, the Balkan footballers avoid sporting comparisons with the Portuguese.
Portugal is a country they have never been able to beat on the soccer pitch in seven attempts. In fact, even draws were an absolute rarity in this duel (1 draw, 6 defeats)
By the way: With my in-depth knowledge, detailed analysis of player performances and consideration of the current form curves, I offer you valuable insights and predictions.
Conclusion: Croatia’s European Championship dress rehearsal is coming up, which is why you can expect maximum effort here.
Portugal, on the other hand, have many top players in their ranks and will be experimenting a little, which is why the result is rather unimportant.
Since the bookmakers favor the Portuguese too much, I think it’s worth speculating on a decent result for the Croats
My tip: Double chance X2
