Cristiano Ronaldo might be one of the best players in the world, but until he wins a major trophy with the national team, he can't hope for the top spot. At least in theory, Portugal should provide him with a decent chance at winning the World Cup 2014, after falling short two years ago at the Euro 2012.
The last time Portugal made a deep run at the World Cup happened 48 years ago and it goes without saying that half a century without any memorable result is far too long. Brazil is the place where Cristiano and his teammates hope to make history, but right from the start they would have a hard time. They share the group stage with the hosts and top favorite to lift the trophy, so it comes as no surprise that Bet365 prices Portugal at 34 to 1 to win the World Cup.
Group stage and event prospects
The qualifying campaign was surprisingly difficult for Portugal, who dropped points at home and eventually finished second. As a result, they had to face Sweden in the playoffs and hadn't it been for Cristiano Ronaldo and his four goals, the Scandinavian team would've been playing at the World Cup instead of them. Now that this obstacle has been removed from their path, the Portuguese need to survive a group stage where they start with the second chance.
Germany is one of the main favorites to prevail in Brazil, which explains why they are also credited with the first chance to win the group. By contrast, Portugal has odds of 3.75 to advance from the first position with Bet365, which is jaw dropping value for a team of this caliber. What the Portuguese lack is discipline during the elimination rounds, but against the likes of Ghana and the United States they are expected to prevail easily.
Key players for Portugal at the World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo single-handedly defeated Sweden in the playoffs and he was an invaluable player two years ago, when Portugal made a surprisingly deep run at the Euro 2012. Once again he will spend most of the time in the spotlight and spearhead the offensive, while also acting as a playmaker.
On a good day, he can be more than a match even for German defenders and the best proof was delivered by the Champions League semifinal between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The problem with Portugal is that it relies too much on its offensive abilities in general and Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, while neglecting the defense. The midfield is exceptional and if Portugal is given a chance to press forward, they won't have to worry too much about the otherwise frail backline. Ghana and USA are not expected to take the initiative, but once the Europeans move out from the groups, they will face more dangerous teams.
Moutinho, Postiga and Nani will have to rise to the challenge in the elimination rounds, when Cristiano Ronaldo will be undoubtedly guarded by two defenders. He is also a moody player, who gets easily frustrated when things don't go his way and if Portugal is to cause a big surprise in Brazil, it can't rely on him alone. Punters willing to take a leap of faith with Ronaldo get odds of 13.00 from Bet365 which are tempting enough but are only worth it if you expect Portugal to make at least the semifinals.
The bottom line
As always, Portugal is among the better teams at the World Cup 2014, but past performance is not encouraging and their chances to lift the trophy are accurately reflected by the odds of 34 to 1.
