Portugal did an absolute demolition job on Switzerland and are now fancied to end Morocco’s fairytale run at Qatar 2022 if maintaining that momentum. The Atlas Lions showed great resilience to stifle Spain, but their next opponents have more of a cutting edge up front.
Portugal and Switzerland are familiar foes heading into their World Cup clash, having met three times in the Nations League in recent years. The Navigators claimed convincing victories in the first two of those encounters, while the Swiss shaded the most recent match in June.
Portugal only need a point to clinch top spot in Group H but are fancied to advance in style by proving too strong for South Korea. Fernando Santos has plenty of useful fringe players who will be keen to press their claims for more action during the knockout rounds.
Portugal are expected to benefit from an opening World Cup triumph over Ghana when facing Uruguay, even if that was a slightly strange affair. La Celeste failed to impress when drawing with South Korea and now look worth taking on in Lusail judged on that evidence.
Portugal are competing at their sixth successive World Cup finals and start their Group H campaign as hot favourites to beat Ghana. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co had to come through the play-offs to qualify for Qatar, but have a talented enough squad to go deep into the tournament.
The Portugal skipper is hell-bent on winning the golden boot and can make his mark on Wednesday’s semi-final against Spain.
After beginning Euro 2012 with two disappointing performances, Portugal’s captain produced his best against the Dutch and should be backed to do so again in the quarter-finals.
After a terrific display against Holland and with Cristiano Ronaldo firing, Paulo Bento’s men look worth some serious investment at 67/100 to reach the semi-finals.
With even Vicente del Bosque admitting Spain were poor against Croatia, Germany are now outright favourites to win Euro 2012.