How to watch Portugal v Croatia, team news, predicted line-ups and more

Former Real Madrid team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric will face off as Portugal and Croatia fight in Toronto for a place in the World Cup round of 16. 

Although both teams finished second in their groups, it is one of the blockbuster fixtures of the round of 32. The winner will face the victor of Spain v Austria and for whichever veteran loses, both now in their forties, it will likely be their last appearance at the World Cup. 

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…

Kick-off time

Friday 3rd July, 12am BST

How to watch in the UK

TV Channel: BBC One

Streaming: BBC iPlayer

Team news 

Portugal did not pick up any more injury concerns following their draw with Colombia. Joao Neves is likely to come back in from the start.

Croatia similarly avoided any injuries in their game against Ghana, and Nikola Vlasic has strengthened his case to start, after his 83rd minute winner in the final group game.

Predicted line-ups

Portugal XI: (4-2-3-1) Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix; Cristiano Ronaldo

Croatia XI: (4-2-3-1) Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Perisic; Kovacic, Modric; Sucic, Vlasic, Baturina; Budimir

Recent form

Although Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 in their second group-stage game, they were held to draws against both DR Congo (1-1) and Colombia (0-0). 

Croatia lost 4-2 in a six-goal thriller against England in their opening group game, their toughest of the group fixtures. They beat both Panama (1-0) and Ghana (2-1) in their following games to keep the pressure on England, but as the Three Lions beat Panama in their final match, Croatia finished second to set up the tie with Portugal. 

What’s been said?

Zlato Dalic, Croatia’s coach said: “I think we’re back to where we were eight years ago. But that’s again a small step ​to achieve the first objective, to go to the knockout stage. Even when losing or winning, the players should be loved because of everything they ​have done for the people and for the country. This needs to be appreciated and not go against it the ‌moment they ⁠lose.”

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez said: “We’ve just finished the first World Cup and now we’re beginning the second World Cup. Only once that one is over can we give a final assessment. What matters is what we did in difficult situations [against Colombia]: defending the final third, showing a lot of defensive intensity and resilience, and keeping a clean sheet.”