5 minutes Here at betting.bet we'll look at the pros and cons of a potential Portuguese World Cup win, bringing online betting odds from our betting partners at Betway.
We're now less than five months away from the start of the FIFA World Cup. As the world's top 32 footballing nations head to Qatar every man and his dog will have an opinion on who will lift the famous trophy and be crowned champions of the world. One national side that are regularly mooted as potential World Cup dark horses are Portugal. Do the 2016 European champions have what it takes to win a first ever FIFA World Cup? Here at betting.bet we'll look at the pros and cons of a potential Portuguese World Cup win, bringing online betting odds from our betting partners at Betway.
Portuguese World Cup Record
Portugal's best performance at a World Cup came on English soil. Back in 1966 a Eusebio-inspired Portuguese side finished third in their first ever World Cup having lost to eventual winners, England in the semi-final.
Incredibly, after 1966 we'd not see Portugal in a World Cup again until 1986 when they were eliminated in the Group Stage.
Portugal's current golden era has seen them qualify for six consecutive World Cups. They were once again losing semi-finalists in 2006 but have not progressed past the last-16 since.
Ronaldo Swansong
Cristiano Ronaldo has been the Portuguese talisman for almost two decades. Ronaldo has scored an international record 117 goals for Portugal and played a key role as the nation won both the European Championships in 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. However, at the age of 37, this year is Ronaldo's last opportunity to win the biggest prize of all.
Despite Portugal losing at the last-16 stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo finished second only to Harry Kane in the Golden Boot race. If Portugal are to go all the way in Qatar then Ronaldo could make light work of the 10/1 on offer for him to finish as the tournament's top goal scorer.
Strength in Depth
Portugal may be able to call upon one of the greatest players of all time but they are far from a one-man team. Portugal's star-studded squad is full of players well-known to football fans on these shores. Manchester United teammate, Bruno Fernandes is likely to travel to Qatar as will Manchester City trio Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias. Additionally, Premier League stars such as Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves and Fulham new boy, Joao Palhinha could all play key roles for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo's heir apparent, Joao Felix will also feature prominently in Qatar and this could be the major international tournament where the 22-year-old finally comes of age.
In addition to possessing one of the most technically gifted sides in world football, Portugal will also take one of the most experienced squads to the World Cup. Centurions, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Joao Moutinho and Rui Patricio could be joined in the Portuguese squad by at least half a dozen players with 50 caps or more. Portugal's super-experienced squad could include:
- William Carvalho (73 caps)
- Bernardo Silva (70 caps)
- Danilo Pereira (61 caps)
- Raphael Guerreiro (56 caps)
- Andre Silva (51 caps)
- Joao Mario (50 caps)
- Jose Fonte (50 caps)
World Cup Group Stage
Portugal have an early opportunity to avenge their 2018 World Cup conquerors, Uruguay as they meet in the second round of group games. Ghana and South Korea make up a competitive-looking Group H but Portugal are the 8/13 favourites to top the group.
If Portugal do top Group H they'll meet the nation that finishes second in Group G. Whilst Brazil are expected to win Group G, Portugal's potential last-16 opponents will be Serbia, Switzerland or Cameroon. Serbia may have edged out Portugal in qualification but we'd expect Portugal to be too strong for any potential last-16 opposition.
Portugal Form
The form of the Portuguese doesn't scream ‘World Cup contenders'. Their last international ended in a 1-0 UEFA Nations League defeat to Switzerland. Let's also not forget that they surrendered top spot in their World Cup qualifying group by taking just one point from their final two games against Republic of Ireland and Serbia.
However, sandwiched in between defeats to Serbia and Switzerland, Portugal went on a five-game unbeaten run. Commanding play-off wins against Turkey and North Macedonia saw them book their place in Qatar. A 1-1 draw away to neighbours, Spain in the Nations League was followed up with wins over Switzerland (4-0) and Czech Republic (2-0).
Portugal are currently ranked ninth in the world which is an indicator of where they sit amongst the world's elite. However, with so many match winners at their disposal and Cristiano Ronaldo determined to go out on a high, the 12/1 on offer for Portugal to finally win a first FIFA World Cup seems extremely generous.
Portugal World Cup Odds
- Winners: 12/1
- Runner-up: 10/1
- To reach the final: 5/1
- To reach the semi-final: 21/10
- To reach the quarter-final: 4/5
- Group H winner: 8/13
Challengers to Ronaldo and Portugal
There are several nations aiming to ruin the fairytale send-off of Cristiano Ronaldo in his last World Cup. Old adversary, Lionel Messi could also be set to take part in his last ever World Cup. Can Messi finally step out of the shadow of Diego Maradona by guiding Argentina to a first World Cup win since 1986? The 2021 Copa America winners are priced at 8/1 with Betway.
Five-time winners, Brazil are the current market leaders at 5/1 ahead of reigning champions, France at 11/2. Below is a rundown of the latest FIFA World Cup outright winners market.
FIFA World Cup Odds
- Brazil: 5/1
- France: 11/2
- England: 13/2
- Spain: 15/2
- Argentina: 8/1
- Germany: 9/1
- Belgium: 11/1
- Portugal: 12/1
- Netherlands: 12/1
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