Football betting: Portugal to win with Ronaldo and Lewandowski poles apart
Euro 2016’s first quarter-final takes place in Marseille on Thursday as Poland take on Portugal.
Both sides have flattered to deceive so far in France, but one of them will be lining up as semi-finalists in a few days’ time.
Portugal, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, are yet to actually win a game in normal time at the tournament.
Three group games against Iceland, Austria and Hungary yielded three draws, and it took an 117th-minute header on the rebound from Ricardo Quaresma to beat Croatia, after the game finished 0-0 after 90 minutes.
They do travel to the Stade Velodrome as favourites, however, much of which is down to the form of Ronaldo.
While he was quiet against Iceland and Austria, his two goals against Hungary dragged his nation through in third place, and it was his shot that was turned in by Quaresma to get to this match.
With 53 goals in 54 games over the last calendar year, you write the Real Madrid man off at your peril. However, if one team could stop him, it might be Poland.
The Poles have only conceded once so far, with Xherdan Shaqiri’s wonder goal the only strike to hit Lukasz Fabianski’s net.
Poland were able to keep clean sheets against Northern Ireland, Ukraine and world champions Germany – though the lack of form of Robert Lewandowski up front is a real worry.
The Bayern Munich striker has looked off the pace so far and is yet to open his Euro 2016 account, meaning Poland have looked very blunt in attack.
While there will be 20 other players on the pitch, this could come down to the personal battle between the two captains.
Ronaldo looks in far greater form, which is why I think Portugal will nick it.
They are 5/4 with Betway to do so. Poland have a functional team but with Lewandowski off-song there isn’t much other star quality.
In keeping with the rest of this tense, cagey tournament, I don’t think this will be a classic.
Poland have only scored three times in four games, and while Portugal managed a 3-3 draw in the game of the Euros against Hungary, they’ve also served up two 0-0 draws (after 90 minutes).
Sell total goals at 1.95 with Sporting Index.
Pointers
Portugal 5/4, Betway
Sell total goals 1.95, Sporting Index