Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo shows his skills in training ahead Nations League clash with Croatia – in pictures

Juventus attacker currently sits seven behind international goals record

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo showing his skills ahead of their Uefa Nations league match against Croatia. AFP

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo training. EPA

Portugal players during training in Split. EPA

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo during training. AFP

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball during training in Croatia. Reuters

Portugal's players training at the Stadion Poljud in Split. AFP

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. AFP

Portugal players training in Split. AFP

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo showing his skills in Croatia. AFP

Portugal manager Fernando Santos, front right, at training. AFP

Portugal players training in Split. AFP

Portugal players training in Split. EPA

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo in Croatia. AFP

Portugal players training in Split. EPA

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. AFP

Defending Uefa Nations League champions Portugal are back in action on Tuesday, as they take on Croatia in Split.

On Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co suffered a rare defeat when they were beaten 1-0 by France in the League A Group 3 clash which ended their hopes of winning the title again.

It put the French top of the group with 13 points from five games, three ahead of Portugal, and into the finals courtesy of a better better head-to-head record.

The Portuguese saw their 21-match unbeaten home run come to an end and, after winning the inaugural edition on home soil in 2019, will not be able to defend it.

Ronaldo remains seven behind Iran legend Ali Daei's all-time international goals record having scored 102 goals in 169 appearances.

Portugal manager Fernando Santos stressed his side would not go through the motions although they had only pride to play for.

"We can't finish top of the group any more but that doesn't mean we won't take the match against Croatia seriously," he said.

"Out of respect for the World Cup runners-up, we will leave it all out there on the pitch. I didn't sleep well after the defeat to France because Portugal always plays to win."

While the game on Tuesday means little for Portugal, Croatia sit level with Sweden at the bottom of the table and are fighting to avoid relegation.

Both have three points, with Croatia needing to emulate Sweden's result against world champions France in the group's other fixture to stay up.

Under pressure Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said: "I am afraid of nothing because I am doing the best job I can and if they think I am not good enough, let someone else take over.

"We finished runners-up in the 2018 World Cup and cruised through our Euro 2020 qualifying group.

"I know we are not good enough at the moment but that's reality. I am frustrated and under pressure, but that's part of the job.

"Rather than complain, I will show that I am proud to be in charge of Croatia. I am still confident and motivated to carry on in the face of adversity."