The new-look UEFA Nations League (UNL) group stage is coming to a close, with much more at stake than you might think. In fact, you might say you need a degree in football administration to fully understand the machinations.

Croatia and Portugal played to a 1-1 draw at Stadion Poljud in Split during Matchday 6 of Group A1 in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League. Croatia and Portugal finished level in a tightly contested Matchday 6 showdown in Group A1 of the UEFA Nations League.

Croatia booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals by drawing with already-qualified Portugal. The visitors had already wrapped up top spot in Group A1 and consequently decided to rest some of their star players,