The teams will clash at Estadio da Luz, having previously shared 10 goals in two matches four years ago. After a dramatic but ultimately unsuccessful Euro 2024, Portugal needs to recover from another quarter-final disappointment, having also been eliminated in the quarter-finals at Qatar 2022.

A penalty shootout loss to France sent the Selecao home this summer, a moment remembered for Pepe’s final appearance and Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears.

While the 41-year-old defender has retired, Ronaldo is eager to continue representing his country. Coach Roberto Martinez has called up the Al-Nassr star for this month’s Nations League matches.

Portugal aims to win the tournament again, having last won in 2019, after finishing second to Spain in the previous edition. Spain went on to win the trophy and had further success at the Euros, increasing the pressure on Martinez to compete for titles, especially given the talent at his disposal.

Martinez must target maximum points from a home double-header, with Scotland visiting Lisbon on Sunday. Even finishing second in Group 1 would be enough to reach the quarter-finals. Martinez has refreshed the squad, selecting youngsters Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos for the first time, while dropping Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, and Francisco Conceicao.

Seventeen-year-old Sporting winger Quenda has made just four senior appearances at club level, while Veiga recently joined Chelsea. Lille full-back Santos also has a chance to debut for the Selecao.

Additionally, Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao, and goalkeeper Rui Silva have been recalled to a squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to start up front.

While Portugal has lost Pepe, Croatia will be without veterans Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic, the latter retiring from international duty with 99 caps. Another veteran, Ivan Perisic, is still selected despite being clubless after leaving Hajduk Split. Lovro Majer, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic are out of both Thursday’s game and Sunday’s clash with Poland due to injuries, while Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car is doubtful after picking up a knock last weekend.

With a depleted defense, coach Zlatko Dalic has suggested that Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, or even winger Marko Pjaca may need to fill in at right-back.

Sportai365 predicts a win for Portugal.