Croatia's Dalić Keeps Lineup Secret Ahead of Portugal World Cup Clash

Croatia's national football team is in Toronto for their World Cup Round of 16 clash against Portugal, with coach Zlatko Dalić maintaining secrecy over his starting lineup. Preparations are underway in optimal conditions, according to Večernji List journalist Tomislav Dasović, who is covering the team's final training session.

The team is expected to utilize the same formation that secured their 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia. However, a point of speculation is the central forward role. Nikola Vlašić, who scored the decisive goal against Ghana, is reportedly in contention to keep his place in the starting XI, potentially at the expense of Joško Gvardiol, who might again be on the bench.

Croatia advanced to the knockout stage by finishing second in their group, which included Ghana, England, and Panama. Their 2-1 win against Ghana saw Petar Sučić open the scoring, followed by Ghana's equalizer and Vlašić's late header sealing the victory. The team's starting lineup against Ghana was Livaković; Stanišić, Pongračić, Šutalo, Perišić; Modrić, Kovačić; Vlašić, Baturina, Petar Sučić; and Budimir, playing in a 4-2-3-1 system.

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It is speculated that Dalić will remain consistent with the formation that brought victory over Ghana in Philadelphia, with the caveat that, as we hear, there is doubt about the central forward.