Portugal vs Croatia: Bhaichung Bhutia predicts Ronaldo's side will reach World Cup last 16

Portugal and Croatia are set for one of the biggest fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with the match potentially marking the final World Cup appearance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Ahead of the knockout clash, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia shared his assessment of Portugal's chances, Croatia's strengths, and the key tactical battles that could shape the contest.

Portugal have the quality to raise their game in knockouts

Portugal head into the Round of 32 after an uneven group-stage campaign. Roberto Martinez's side drew unexpectedly with DR Congo before bouncing back with a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, where Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed Eusebio's FIFA World Cup goal tally with a brace. A defeat to Colombia, however, meant Portugal finished second in their group and were handed a challenging tie against Croatia.

Despite the inconsistent performances, Bhutia believes Portugal remain among the strongest contenders and expects them to improve in the knockout rounds.

"I do not see Croatia knocking them out. Portugal are definitely contenders, though we have not seen them play like one so far. But knockout stages are different; they possess the quality to turn up with a completely different level of performance. I think we will see a different side to them in the knockouts," Bhutia said.

Bhutia also believes Portugal's attacking depth means they are no longer overly reliant on Ronaldo, even as the 41-year-old continues to break records in his sixth World Cup appearance.

"Portugal has the overall quality to get the job done. They have players who can make a massive difference on their own, whereas the big question is whether their creative midfield can consistently carve out chances for Ronaldo," he added.

Croatia's hopes rest on Modric despite ageing squad

Croatia recovered impressively from an opening defeat to England by defeating Ghana and Panama to secure a place in the knockout stages. Having reached the World Cup final in 2018 and finished third in 2022, they once again arrive as an experienced tournament side.

However, Bhutia believes this Croatian squad lacks the pace and quality of previous generations.

"Over the years, Croatia has been a resilient team that always finds a way to get results. However, I do not think they have that same quality this time around. They have brilliant players like Modric, but age is not on their side. They have lost a lot of pace, and the game has slowed down for them," he explained.

According to Bhutia, Croatia's chances of pulling off an upset depend largely on captain Luka Modric producing a standout performance.

"If Croatia is to get anything out of this match, Luka Modric absolutely has to have the bigger impact. Portugal do not solely rely on Ronaldo, but Croatia will absolutely have to look towards Modric today," Bhutia said.

Portugal's attack gives them the edge despite midfield concern

Bhutia believes Portugal's attacking quality should prove decisive against Croatia, although he identified one area where the team could be vulnerable.

"Portugal's attacking style will prevail, especially if they can transition and attack faster. One weakness, however, is the lack of a true defensive midfielder who can consistently win balls and transition play from defence to attack," he said.

He added that Portugal already possess enough firepower in attack and only need greater balance in midfield.

"They already have immense strength going forward; great attacking midfielders, an excellent frontline, and two full-backs who love to attack. They just need someone in the centre of the pitch to win those physical battles and stabilise the midfield," Bhutia signed off.

(With inputs from ANI)