How to watch Portugal vs. Croatia in Canada: Live stream, TV channel, start time, lineups for UEFA Nations League match | Sporting News Canada

Portugal will aim to move past their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign as they host Croatia in the opening match of Group A1 in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.

Roberto Martinez’s team were among the favorites to win this year’s UEFA European Championship, but they were eliminated by France in the quarterfinals.

Croatia, who reached the finals in the last edition in 2023, have impressed many with their performances in international tournaments over the past decade, but the perennial dark horses had a disappointing Euro 2024, failing to progress beyond the group stage.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.

Portugal vs. Croatia live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this UEFA Nations League match in Canada:

TV channel: —
Live stream: DAZN

This game is unfortunately not available for live TV Broadcast for viewers residing in Canada. Streaming options are available on DAZN.

If this match is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.

WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)

What time does Portugal vs. Croatia kick off in Canada?

This UEFA Nations League clash takes place at the Estádio do SL Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal and kicks off on Thursday, September 5 at 7:45 p.m. local time.

Here’s how that time translates across Canada:

Portugal vs. Croatia lineups, team news

Roberto Martinez has injected youth into his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, including Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos. Veterans such as Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, and Francisco Conceicao have been dropped. 

Additionally, Pedro Goncalves, Francisco Trincao, and Rui Silva have been recalled to the squad. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected again to lead this young Portuguese side from the front.

Portugal predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Costa(GK) — Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes — Palhinha, Vitinha — B. Silva, Fernades, Leao — Ronaldo.

Injured: None
Suspended: None

Croatia come into this game with a heavily depleted squad due to multiple injuries. Lovro Majer, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic have been ruled out against Portugal as well as against Poland, while Lyon defender Duje Caleta-Car remains a doubt after sustaining a knock last weekend.

Additionally, Zlatko Dalic’s side won’t have veterans Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic for selection as the duo have retired from international football. Due to the lack of personnel in defence, Dalic has suggested that any one of Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, or even winger Marko Pjaca may start at right-back.

Croatia predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Livakovic(GK) — Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa — Modric, L. Sucic, Kovacic — Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec.

Injured: Majer, Stanisic, Erlic, Fati, Caleta-Car
Suspended: None

Portugal vs. Croatia Prediction 

Although Croatia won their most recent encounter earlier this year, Portugal’s historical advantage—having won 5 of the last 8 matchups—makes them the favorites for this game.

The match is anticipated to be a fast-paced contest that could be decided in the final moments, but Portugal’s stacked squad might give them the upper hand over Croatia and lead them to victory.

• Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia