TOM LOVE (@TomLove_18) delivers his verdict from Saturday evening's mouthwatering Group F match-up between Porugal and Germany at Euro 2020.
Portugal vs Germany | Saturday 19th June 2020, 17:00 | ITV
Two sides who were on the opposite end of results meet in Munich on Saturday. Germany lost out to France whilst Portugal struggled to break down Hungary but ended up running out 3-0 winners with Cristiano Ronaldo turning it on late in the match.
Those results make this game an interesting conundrum. There’s a case that both sides would be relatively happy to play out a draw. It would put Portugal on 4 points and all but through whilst a point for Germany will see them have to beat Hungary in the final game to qualify, something they should be capable of.
This change in format, which is just in it’s second year has made many games have potential for draws and potentially risk-averse football. I’m not a fan of it, teams who have already lost their first two games can still go through. Group F was seen as the big three sides all having enough to beat Hungary in order to potentially progress, but the potential for 4 points is a greater security blanket for all.
Portugal manager Fernando Santos likes to keep things tight, doesn’t mind his side ceding possession and being patient, that was shown in that win over Hungary. When Portugal won this trophy in 2016, they actually drew all three group games showing their penchant for a stalemate.
I think they’ll be delighted with a draw here and after Germany failed to convince against France they should have enough to at least come away with a crucial point.
The draw has been chalked up at 12/5 and that makes plenty of appeal given what’s on the line.
One market I rarely venture in actually caught the eye here, man of the match. This is awarded by UEFA and is not the choice of the commentator, results can be found on the UEFA website around half an hour after the conclusion of the game. The player that stands out at the prices is premier league player of the season Ruben Dias who is a mammoth 50/1 to scoop the award (Bet365).
We all know how the Selecao can frustrate sides from a defensive perspective and Dias has shown time and again that he can cope with the most elite of strikers. I can’t believe he’s not closer to 20/1.
Best Bets
Portugal vs Germany – Draw (12/5 Matchbook)
Portugal vs Germany – Ruben Dias to be Man of the Match (50/1 Bet365)