Portugal have reached at least the quarter-finals in the past four European Championships but could this be the Iberian nation’s year with Cristiano Ronaldo, Europe’s best player, in their ranks? Paulo Bento has steadied the ship after Carlos Queiroz’s axing, and encourages his side to show more flair on the ball. But can Ronaldo steer a side without a recognised playmaker, nor an obvious No. 9 out of the ‘Group of Death’?
Trends
- Seven of their 10 qualifying games provided Over 2.5 Goals, while six of them saw Portugal score three or more on their own.
- Three of Portugal’s four matches at the 2010 World Cup finished with one goal or none with Spain the only side to score against the Portuguese in South Africa.
- Portugal’s last five eliminations from this tournament have been to either the eventual winners (four times) or the eventual runners-up (once).
Club Comparison
Spurs: Always seem to flatter and deceive when well fancied. Might lack a backbone at times and rely too heavily on their star performer.
Any Other Business
How do you solve a problem like Pauleta? Portugal will again look to former Spurs flop Helder Postiga to lead the line. Postiga’s bagged a goal every other game for the national side and maybe underrated in the goalscoring markets.
Best bet
When you have one of the finest footballers the planet has seen in your ranks, as well as a smattering of qualify support acts, you deserve to be taken seriously. The markets believe Group B’s ‘Group of Death’ looks to be a two-horse race to qualify with Netherlands and Germany dominating the betting. Instead, have a go on Portugal to escape the Grim Reaper and book a place in the quarter-finals at 13/10 with Bet 365.
