Portugal Rest Key Players Ahead of Nations League Decider Against Croatia

Added at:
another languages: uk ru


Portugal has handed Croatia a significant boost ahead of the final group-stage match in the UEFA Nations League by releasing several key players from their squad.

Leaders Return to Clubs After Securing Top Spot

Following a 5-1 victory over Poland that guaranteed them first place in Group A3, Portugal's management, led by head coach Roberto Martinez, opted to send several stars back to their clubs. Among those released are Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Pedro Neto.

With qualification for the quarterfinals already assured, Martinez has decided to give his leading players a rest, focusing instead on testing his squad depth against Croatia in the final match.

Opportunity for Croatia

The decision to field a second-string side significantly eases the task for Croatia. Zlatko Dalic’s men require just a single point to secure their place in the quarterfinals. A weakened Portuguese lineup could provide them with the perfect opportunity to achieve that goal.

Martinez's Strategy

Speaking about his decision, Martinez emphasized the importance of balancing competitive integrity with player welfare:

"Our primary objective was to win the group, which we’ve done. Now, it’s an opportunity to give our squad players a chance to prove themselves while ensuring our stars return fresh for their club commitments and the knockout rounds."

Portugal’s move not only highlights their confidence in squad depth but also raises the stakes for Croatia, who now have a golden opportunity to advance. The spotlight will be on how Martinez’s rotated side performs under pressure in what promises to be a fascinating finale to Group A3.

another languages: uk ru

Sport News RSS - Sport News - Terrikon

05 May

12:43
Fabrizio Romano: Trent Alexander-Arnold Agrees to Join Real Madrid
08:15
Oscar Piastri Dominates Miami Grand Prix to Extend Championship Lead
00:26
Juventus Held by Bologna but Leapfrog Roma in Top-Four Race

04 May

22:52
Dovbyk Fires Roma Closer to Champions League Return
21:19
Chelsea Beat Liverpool to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive
20:34
Freiburg Hands Bayern Munich the 2024/25 Bundesliga Title
18:38
Thriller in West London: Brentford Edge Manchester United 4–3 in Seven-Goal Spectacle
17:26
Real Madrid Survive Celta Vigo Scare to Keep La Liga Title Hopes Alive
16:16
Lazio Edge Past Empoli in Fiery Serie A Clash
14:26
Willian Becomes Premier League’s Most-Capped South American Player
00:21
Barcelona Forced to Bring Out the Big Guns to Beat Struggling Valladolid

03 May

23:56
Inter Milan Edge Past Verona with Narrow Win Ahead of Barcelona Clash
22:36
Bournemouth Stun Arsenal at the Emirates
21:16
Raspadori Free-Kick Edges Napoli Closer to Serie A Title
20:20
McLaren Dominate Miami Sprint as Lando Norris Leads Team One-Two
19:04
FC Bayern Stumble in Leipzig Thriller, but Bundesliga Title Is All but Secured
18:39
Alavés Hold Atletico to Goalless Draw in Crucial La Liga Survival Battle
17:24
Manor Solomon's Late Winner Secures Championship Title for Leeds United
12:49
Ex-Manchester United Boss Erik ten Hag Tipped to Replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen
09:26
Paris FC Earn Promotion to Ligue 1 — Capital to Host Two Top-Flight Clubs Next Season
09:11
18-Year-Old Andrea Kimi Antonelli Makes History with Sprint Pole at Miami Grand Prix
08:53
Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Head Coach of San Antonio Spurs After 29 Seasons
00:42
Nice Edge Past Reims to Reclaim Third Place in Ligue 1
00:32
Nikola Vlašić Penalty Rescues Torino in Serie A Clash with Venezia

02 May

23:59
Kevin De Bruyne Fires Manchester City Back Into Premier League Top Three