Thursday 25/06/2014, 18:00, World Cup Group G, Portugal vs Ghana

Portugal vs Ghana Betting Preview

The fact that Portugal plays in the same group as Germany greatly diminishes their chances of winning this initial stage of the competition. The most likely outcome is for them to finish second which means that they will play against Belgium in the first elimination round. It is hardly a best case scenario, but things could be far worse and losing to Ghana would greatly complicate their mission at the World Cup.

Portugal vs Ghana Betting Odds

At Bet365

Portugal 1.80, Draw 3.50, Ghana 4.50

Portugal vs Ghana Betting Tips

Portugal will need to adjust the strategy several times throughout the group stage, because each opponent has an entirely different style of play and attitude. Defending against Germany and making the most of Ronaldo's abilities is the core strategy, but some tweaks are in order against United States and Ghana.

The Americans lack offensive options, but the African nation has plenty of talented strikers that can take the Portuguese defenses by surprise. They have an aging backline that sometimes succumbs under pressure, which makes it important not to concede the initiative in the first half of this match.
Ronaldo and Postiga will play out from, even though the latter will act as a pushed striker, while Cristiano will play closely behind him. Opponents are instinctively focusing on annihilating Real Madrid's star and this might create some opportunities for his elder colleague.

Perhaps the biggest mistake that Portugal could commit in this match is to wait for an opportunity to score, instead of creating one themselves. Retreating too early or trying to defend a narrow there is also an error, because if Ghana is given the chance to push forward, they will inevitably create scoring opportunities. The best proof is that they were held scoreless in three consecutive friendly games, before scoring four unanswered goals against a defensive minded Korea Republic.

Key Facts

• Portugal will have a harder time winning against Belgium in the phase of last 16 than collecting all three points against Ghana
• Ghana failed to score a goal in four consecutive games, but allowed just two goals in the last nine fixtures

Portugal vs Ghana Betting Odds Prediction

Portugal will try to take an early lead, because they know that if Ghana is forced to play offensive football, it is likely to allow more goals. The sooner they score, the better the chances to win and that's why punters should consider the possibility of betting on Portugal to lead at half time and win the match. A more conservative approach is to bet on the Europeans to win outright at odds of 1.80.

Bet: Portugal @ 1.80 with Bet365