Portugal vs Brazil Preview and Betting Odds

Brazil and Portugal in showdown for top spot

Many fans will be disappointed that the Group G showdown between Brazil and Portugal at Durban Stadium in Durban on June 25 doesn’t mean as much as it might have as Brazil is guaranteed to go through to the next round and Portugal has a stranglehold on a spot as well. However, this game will decide who wins the group and the history between these two teams should result in an intriguing match.

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Brazil leads the group with six points after beating North Korea 2-1 and Ivory Coast 3-1. Portugal has a plus 7 goal difference going into the game as a result of their 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast and 7-0 thrashing of North Korea. This means they could advance even with a loss as long as Ivory Coast, with a minus 2 goal difference, doesn’t fill the net against the Koreans like the Portuguese did. In all likelihood, this game is to settle first place only, and Portugal would take it with a win here, while a draw or win would guarantee top spot for the Brazilians.

Cristiano Ronaldo finally broke out of his 16-month long scoring drought for his country against Korea and it’ll be interesting if the floodgates will now open. Their seven goals will definitely boost the player’s confidence, but in all probability it was just a one-off performance.

Brazil will be without midfielder Kaka for the game as he received a red card against Ivory Coast and Julio Baptista may replace him, while Nilmar could also play. Midfielder Elano, who has scored in both games for Brazil could also be questionable due a calf injure picked up against Ivory Coast. Forwards Luis Fabiano and Robinho will likely lead the attack. Julio Cesar has played well in net, while Maicon and Dani Alves have been strong in defence.

Portugal was without Brazilian-born Deco in the last game due to a hip injury, but he might be ready to go. If not, Tiago, who scored two goals against the Koreans, will likely take his place again. Portuguese players Pepe and Liedson were also born in Brazil. The team has played well in defence, especially Bruno Alves and Ricardo Carvalho, while goaltender Eduardo hasn’t really been tested too often.

Brazil vs Portugal Odds and Predictions

Both teams will be going for first place, but Brazil only needs a draw, so they might conserve a bit of energy for the next round. Brazil also seems to have Portugal’s number when it comes to football battles and this game could either be a bit of a bore or a barnburner. However, Portugal’s seven goal outburst should have their confidence at an all-time high and we could see a 2-2 draw here.

Sportsbook.com offers a large odds selection for this game and is surely one of the best online sportsbooks. A draw gives you 2.85 (+185, 37/20) there. EU players should try out Ladbrokes or William Hill to bet on this game with the best odds.

The two countries have met 18 times before with Brazil winning 12, losing four and drawing two, while outscoring Portugal 36 to 15.

Brazil, FIFA’s top-ranked team in the world is listed as favourites to win the match with odds of 13/10 while the third-ranked Portuguese are listed at 57/20. The odds of a draw are 9/5.

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