Croatia v Portugal preview: Sporting wonderkid Quenda set to make history

Quenda could become the youngest player to appear for Portugal at a major tournament

Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Joelson Quenda is set to make history when he lines up for Portugal against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.

The 18-year-old forward could become the youngest player to appear for Portugal at a major tournament, breaking the record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004.

Quenda has been in impressive form for Sporting this season, scoring five goals in 12 appearances in all competitions.

He caught the eye of national team coach Fernando Santos, who named him in his squad for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Sweden.

Quenda is a versatile forward who can play on either wing or through the middle.

He is a quick and skilful player with an eye for goal.

If he makes his debut against Croatia, Quenda will become the youngest player to appear for Portugal at a major tournament since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004.

He will also be the first player born in the 21st century to appear for Portugal at a major tournament.

Portugal will be looking to continue their good form in the Nations League when they face Croatia on Thursday (June 8).

The 2016 European champions have won their last two matches in the competition, beating the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

Croatia will be hoping to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Austria in their last Nations League match.

The 2018 World Cup runners-up are one of the strongest teams in Europe and will be a tough test for Portugal.