Portugal, under the management of Roberto Martinez, have consistently seen over 2.5 goals in all of their home games, which is a trend that is expected to continue in their upcoming Nations League match. Croatia, on the other hand, showcased a stronger attacking presence during Euro 2024, but their defensive frailties proved to be their downfall.

During Euro 2024, Portugal struggled to live up to the pre-tournament hype, with Martinez facing criticism for his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the team. The hosts failed to score for almost 400 minutes, ultimately leading to their elimination from the competition. However, with a return home on the cards, Portugal will be looking to rectify their scoring issues. They averaged an impressive 3.6 goals per game during Euro 2024 qualifying, highlighting their attacking prowess.

In contrast, Croatia’s aging squad displayed a lack of defensive solidity during Euro 2024, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Spain and a 2-2 draw with Albania before bowing out in the group stage. Despite their defensive shortcomings, they surprised many with their attacking potency, forced to adapt their tactics due to their defensive vulnerabilities. Their 2-1 victory over Portugal in a pre-tournament friendly showcased their ability to take the game to their opponents.

However, Portugal boasts a wealth of attacking talent, making them a formidable force to reckon with. All nine of their home games under Martinez have witnessed over 2.5 goals being scored, indicating their tendency towards high-scoring affairs on home soil. Therefore, another goal-filled match is on the cards for Portugal in their Nations League opener against Croatia.