Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric face off in a historic duel in Lisbon.

The clash between Portugal and Croatia, scheduled for this Thursday, September 5, promises to be one of the most exciting events at the start of the UEFA Nations League 2024/25. This match not only marks the first round of Group 1 in League A but also brings together two of the greatest icons of contemporary football: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Both players, with careers filled with achievements, will face off once again, stirring nostalgia among fans who have followed their journeys over the years. The high expectations surrounding this encounter are partly due to the milestone that Cristiano Ronaldo could achieve, as he is just one goal away from becoming the first player in history to score 900 goals in official matches. With an impressive record of 899 goals in 1,235 matches, every game Ronaldo plays becomes an opportunity to expand his legacy. Fans of 'El Bicho' are eager to see if this Thursday will be the day the Portuguese star reaches this new record. Portugal arrives at this match with a desire for redemption after being eliminated in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 by France. This setback has served as a motivation for the national team, which seeks to prove its worth and compete at the highest level in this new edition of the Nations League. The Portuguese players are determined to leave behind the pain of that defeat and start this campaign on the right foot. On the other hand, the Croatian national team, led by the experienced Luka Modric, maintains a pragmatic focus regarding its performance. Coach Zlatko Dalic has openly discussed the role Modric will play in the team, assuring that the Real Madrid star will continue to be a key piece in the Croatian midfield. "All I do is communicate with him directly to come to an agreement on his role in the national team. He will play as much as he can and according to the needs of the team," Dalic commented, making it clear that Modric's experience will be vital in the development of the game. The Estádio da Luz in Lisbon will be the setting for this eagerly awaited match. With a capacity of over 64,000 fans, the venue will be dressed to welcome the two European teams. Inaugurated in 2003, this stadium has witnessed numerous large-scale sporting events, and it is expected that this match will be one of the most memorable, both for the quality of the players and the importance of the tournament. The match is set to kick off at 1:45 PM in Peru, allowing a wide audience in Latin America and the United States to tune in and enjoy the spectacle. In the United States, fans will be able to follow the match on FOX Sports, while in Latin America, ESPN and Disney+ will broadcast the duel. This accessibility ensures that supporters of both teams will not miss a single moment of the action. The history between Portugal and Croatia is relatively recent, with a total of six matches played between the two teams. The most recent took place on June 8, in a friendly match held as a precursor to Euro 2024. Throughout their encounters, both teams have showcased their quality and competitiveness, which promises a balanced and thrilling match. This encounter is not only important for the teams themselves but also reflects the evolution of European football in recent years. Portugal, with its rich footballing history, and Croatia, which has emerged as one of the strongest teams on the international stage, have positioned themselves as forces to be reckoned with in any tournament they compete in. As the start of the match approaches, excitement and anticipation grow among fans. The possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his 900th goal, along with the chance to see Luka Modric in action, ensures that this showdown will be one to remember. The two teams are ready to give their best at the Estádio da Luz, and the football world will be watching.