Tournament trailblazers Croatia will meet Portugal on Saturday in one of the most anticipated clashes of the Round of 16 of the Euros, having made their way through a group comprising of Spain, Czech Republic and Turkey.

Ante Cacic’s men, having shocked the world with their display against Spain and topping the group, will meet their Iberian counterparts today. Both sides will go into the clash with their full strengths. Portugal, notably, are yet to win a match in the tournament, despite boasting a squad that comprises a number of talented individuals.

Both sides will go into the clash with their full strengths. Portugal, notably, are yet to win a match in the tournament, despite boasting a squad that comprises a number of talented individuals.

Portugal

Fernando Santos will once again look ahead to Cristiano Ronaldo, to lead the line as he had done so admirably in the match against Hungary, silencing his critics.

Raphael Guerreiro is likely to start the match, ahead of his understudy Eliseu, after missing the Hungary draw through injury (via IBTIMES).

UEFA European Under-21 championship

Other than that, Fernando Santos will perhaps not be goaded into making any more changes in the starting lineup. In defense Vieirinha, Carvalho and Pepe will start alongside Guerreiro. The impressive William Carvalho will dictate terms in the midfield with Valencia’s Andre Gomes and Monaco’s Joao Moutinho by his side. Nani, Joao

The impressive William Carvalho will dictate terms in the midfield with Valencia’s Andre Gomes and Monaco’s Joao Moutinho by his side. Nani, Joao

Nani, Joao Mario and Ronaldo will start in attack with Quaresma to make a substitute appearance. Pepe and Quaresma are a booking away from suspension.

Croatia

Cacic’s men have received a boost ahead of the first knockout game with the return of Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric. Mandzukic, who had made a late substitute appearance against Spain, is also expected to be fully fit for this game, replacing Fiorentina’s.

Mandzukic, who had made a late substitute appearance against Spain, is also expected to be fully fit for this game, replacing Fiorentina’s.

Hungary vs Croatia

Cacic can again start with the strong double pivot of Modric and Badelj, with Rakitic, Perisic and Brozovic (or perhaps Pjaca) ahead of him. In

In defense, Strinic will most likely replace Sassuolo starlet Sime Vrsjalko. Badelj, Brozović, Perišić, Rog, Srna, Strinić, Vida and Vrsaljko are all carrying cautions and should be careful with their discipline on the field.

Read More – EURO 2016 – CROATIA : HIGH NOON IN THE BALKANS

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