Portugal World Cup Betting

Odds: 25/1

Positives

There is a real danger of Portugal being underestimated for this World Cup and if done so then they could really surprise a few people. There may be just cause for few nations seeing Portugal as a real threat but if they take them too lightly then they do have players who are capable of beating any team in the world when on top of their game. They were rightly one of the pre-tournament favourites for the 2006 World Cup where they made it to the semi-final stage and also have the world’s most expensive player amid their ranks.

Negatives

They had a relatively disappointing World Cup qualification campaign and were in real danger of missing out all together at one stage. They eventually finished the group in second position just one point above third placed Sweden and qualified courtesy of two 1-0 wins against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs, they will need to improve if they are to go far in this year’s World Cup.

They will also feel that they were one of the unluckiest teams after the World Cup group draw was made. Not only were they drawn in the group of death with Brazil and Ivory Coast but should they finish second behind Brazil in that group it is highly likely that they will have to face Spain in the next round. Meaning they will have to play the two tournament favourites in the early rounds and will have to be on top of their game from the off.

Key Player(s)

Cristiano Ronaldo is the obvious (and perhaps only) player to mention here, he has continued where he left off since moving from Manchester United to Real Madrid and you don’t have an £80million price tag attached to your head if you aren’t capable of performing on the biggest of stages. However, his goal scoring statistics aren’t as impressive for the national team as they are at club level; he is just shy of one goal every three games for Portugal whereas at club level he is closer to one every two games. At the age of 25 Ronaldo comes into this tournament in the prime of his career and will be keen to put his name into the history books with some memorable performances.

The likes of Deco, Simao, Tiago and Ricardo Carvalho are all also important players to this Portugal side but they will be merely a supporting act if Ronaldo steps up to the plate.

Best Bet

Portugal seem to be slipping under the radar with quite a few peoples thoughts and predictions for this World Cup and that could play to their advantage. They may not have enough to go all the way but with the way that the draw has worked out they could be a very important component in determining who wins the 2010 World Cup.

Back Portugal to qualify from Group G @ Evens