Without question Germany is the well deserved World Cup betting odds favorite. But many punters will refuse to pay the premium prices Die Mannschaft commands. Bargain hunters are already shopping for alternatives. A strong case can be made that Portugal is a more appealing choice. The Navigators are a top tier team. And with a roster loaded with world class talent. In Cristiano Ronaldo they boast arguably the greatest player on Planet Earth. Sharps have come to believe Portugal brings World Cup championship ability. Best of all they also come without the German price tag.
2018 FIFA World Cup Portugal Preview
Date and Time: June 14 through July 15, 2018
Location: Russia
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG: Portugal +2500 to win the World Cup, Portugal +205 to win Group B
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: Check Listings
Group B Opener
Portugal will open Group B action with the World Cup betting odds On June 15. And they will immediately find out just how good they are. Powerful Spain will be the opponent. For many this is the true beginning of World Cup action. A serious matchup of super power rivals. Spain is the Group B chalk. But the Spaniards will be no lock against the Portuguese. In fact, Spain opened as a modest -112 money line favorite in the match. Portugal is an enticing +350. June 20 will see The Navigators take on Morocco. June 25 concludes group action against Iran.
Team on Ronaldo’s Shoulders
Despite boasting the famed Ronaldo and a deep roster Portugal is the seventh sportsbook choice to win the World Cup. Many believe they should be in the top four. Seems like England, Belgium and Argentina are comparatively overrated. It is nearly impossible that Portugal fails to advance out of Group action. They are highly regarded as being perfectly built for tournament play. Euro 2016 is the ultimate proof. Portugal prevailed as Kings of Europe then. Head coach Fernando Santos can use the Group stage to experiment. There will be preparation time for the knockout stage.
Persistence and Resiliency
In the 2016 Euro the Portuguese showed persistence and resiliency. They were forced to grind much of the way. Beating France made it all worthwhile. The Euro was the first senior international title in team history.
Players on the Field
In Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal has the ultimate superstar weapon. He commands so much attention that other key players become loose. Andre Silvia, Joao Moutinho, and Bernard Silva thrive thanks to Ronaldo. The only game Portugal lost in qualification was the one Ronaldo missed. Upon his return they won the nine games that followed. And scored 32 goals while allowing only two in the process. Silva and Ronaldo have in fact forged a strong partnership. They scored a combined 24 goals in qualification. This will be Ronaldo’s last shot at World Cup glory.
Fernando Santos
Since head coach Fernando Santos took over the team has lost just one out of 17 qualifying matches. He is considered to be the best coach in Portugal history. The biggest worry Santos must address is defensive depth.
Matchup to Watch
“Undertakers” may want to avoid Portugal with the World Cup betting odds. Their scoring ability will be used freely to run up the aggregate. The betting public is sleeping on this team. Portugal could be the ultimate prize of shoppers looking for a great team at a fair price. Can anyone say “sleeper” here?
2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Look for Portugal and over the total as parlay potential.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Portugal should certainly make the knockout stage in style and in the black!
Check out a team profile of Portugal!