Portugal lineup vs. Croatia: Predicted XI for World Cup 2026 clash as Roberto Martinez set to recall key midfielder

Portugal emerged from their last Group K fixture without immoderate caller wounded concerns, though Roberto Martinez is expected to marque adjustments for Friday’s circular of 32 clash against DR Congo aft a disjointed show successful the goalless gully with Colombia.

The Selecao managed 13 attempts successful that contention but were besides forced to withstand 24 shots from their opponents, with goalkeeper Diogo Costa producing six saves to unafraid a 2nd consecutive cleanable sheet.

The Porto shot-stopper is expected to support his spot betwixt the posts, with Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo each apt to stay arsenic an unchanged backmost 4 for a 3rd consecutive match.

The astir probable alteration comes successful midfield, wherever Joao Neves is expected to instrumentality to the starting XI aft replacing Ruben Neves astatine half-time successful the past game, with the second apt to driblet to the bench.

Vitinha has started each 3 matches truthful acold and should proceed successful a treble pivot alongside Neves, portion Bruno Fernandes is acceptable to clasp his precocious relation astatine fig 10 successful Martinez’s 4-2-3-1 system, having already registered 1 assistance successful the tournament.

Joao Felix could support his spot connected the near flank, though Rafael Leao remains a beardown contender aft making an content successful each 3 substitute appearances.

Pedro Neto’s spot connected the close is nether unit aft a quiescent outing against Colombia, with Francisco Conceicao besides pushing for a commencement successful a competitory wide selection.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to pb the enactment erstwhile again, with the 41-year-old aiming to adhd to his 2 goals, which includes a historical onslaught that made him the archetypal subordinate to people successful six antithetic World Cup editions.

Portugal imaginable lineup:

Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo

> Click present to spot however Croatia could enactment up against Pertugal