Portugal face Croatia in their knockout stage opener tonight as Cristiano Ronaldo strives towards World Cup glory.
After both European heavyweights finished second in their respective groups, it sets up a can’t-miss match.
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After a goalless draw against Colombia, Roberto Martinez’s side finished below the South Americans in Group K.
Despite a dominant 5-0 victory against Uzbekistan, Portugal’s group opener shocked the footballing world after DR Congo held the giants to a 1-1 draw.
Croatia managed to be victorious against Ghana and Panama, yet were unable to get a result against England, which ultimately positioned the nation second in Group L.
The winner of this tie will face Spain or Austria in the next round.
How to follow Portugal vs Croatia
The Round of 32 fixture is being held on Thursday, July 2 and will start at 7pm local time which is midnight on Friday morning for UK fans.
It will take place at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada – home to Toronto FC and the Canadian national teams.
The match will be free to watch on BBC One from 11pm and will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer.
eSPORTY will also have live coverage of the encounter with Olly Clink, Mark Wilson and former Nottingham Forest defender Luke Chambers.
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Portugal vs Croatia: What has been said?
Over the duration of the tournament, Portugal have faced criticism regarding Ronaldo’s role within the team and their inconsistent group stage form.
Former Chelsea forward Joao Felix has reassured the Portuguese fans ahead of the fixture as he has a newfound confidence.
He said: “They [Portuguese fans] should rest assured, Just because we drew two games doesn’t mean we’re any less confident.
“It’s the World Cup. Everyone just needs to stay calm. We’re very confident that we’ll beat Croatia.
“This has been a very important year in my career, I feel confident and ready to help the team.
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“Without a doubt I feel more mature. It was an incredible year. I’m coming in more confident than ever.”
Similarly to Ronaldo, the Croatian legend Modric is most likely performing in his last World Cup and still supports his former Real Madrid teammate.
He revealed: “If Croatia don’t win against Portugal, I hope Cristiano wins the World Cup.”
Portugal vs Crortia: Squads
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi).
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris St-Germain), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica).
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Paris St-Germain), Vitinha (Paris St-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (Paris St-Germain).
Croatia
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City).
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax Amsterdam), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg).
Midfielders: Luka Modric (AC Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka).
Forwards: Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (Dallas), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg).
