Portugal vs. Netherlands Preview

Sunday’s match in Kharkiv sees Portugal face 1988 winners the Netherlands, with the latter knowing that victory is imperative if they are to have any chance of qualifying from Group B. They must beat Portugal by two clear goals, as well as hoping fierce rivals Germany pick up all three points in their game against Denmark.

Sunday’s match in Kharkiv sees Portugal face 1988 winners the Netherlands, with the latter knowing that victory is imperative if they are to have any chance of qualifying from Group B. They must beat Portugal by two clear goals, as well as hoping fierce rivals Germany pick up all three points in their game against Denmark.

This is the first meeting of the sides since Portugal’s 1-0 victory booked their place in the 2006 World Cup quarter finals. A goal from midfielder Maniche was enough to separate the sides in a game which saw a record four sending’s off, resulting in the match later being referred to as the Battle of Nuremburg.

Bwin give odds of 10.5 (19/2) that more than one red card will be shown this time around, whilst Bet Fred offer 3.75 (11/4) for there to be at least one sending off in the game; both teams will have to be disciplined if they are to have the best chance of progressing in the competition.

The Netherlands are 2.50 (6/4) favourites to win the game, with Portugal at a best price of 2.88 (15/8) with Paddy Power. The draw, which would only suit Portugal should Germany not lose to Denmark, is around 3.50 (5/2).

Three points would definitely see Portugal through, even if Denmark beat Germany, due to their 3-2 victory against the Danes in L’viv on Wednesday.

Despite misfiring in the tournament so far, captain Cristiano Ronaldo is generally regarded by the bookmakers as the favourite to open the scoring, though some firms are offering the same odds for Robin Van Persie to get the first goal.

Whoever nets first, one thing that is highly likely is that there will be an end to end game, so you may well be tempted to back there to be four or more goals at 3.0 (2/1) with Sporting Bet.