Portugal – Ghana

Ghana will advance to the Round 16 with a win as long as USA loses against Germany, while Portugal would need a miracle to finish second – they need to beat Ghana, hope USA will lose and also cover a 4 goal handicap which they have at the moment behind the Americans.

Portugal entered the World Cup on the back of a series of good results, but the level of play was never impressive and the Seleccao finally payed the price in Brazil, gaining just one point via a lucky last second equalizer against USA. Portugal depends way too much on Ronaldo to create danger up front and he`s not 100% fit, thus the poor performances. Nani is out of form, Helder Postiga is not cut out for this level, Portugal has problems creating anything up front. At least they used to defend well, but in the World Cup they allowed 6 goals in 2 matches.

Ghana played two solid matches so far in the World Cup. They were unlucky to come out empty handed against USA, but kept their cool and put on a show against Germany, a deserved 2-2 draw in arguably the best match of the tournament. Ghana has individual quality and is much more organized and disciplined than other African side, making them a dangerous opponent for just about anyone.

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Team news & lineups

Both managers will be happy to have a full squad at their disposal.

Portugal: Beto – Almeida, Costa, Alves, Pereia – Meireles, Carvalho, Moutinho – Varela. Ronaldo, Nani.

Ghana: Dauda – Afful, Mensah, Boye, Asamoah; Rabiu, Badu – Atsu, J Ayew, A Ayew – Gyan.

Ghana has played much better football than Portugal in the World Cup and just because the Seleccao has a few top players it doesn’t mean they should be the odds-on favorites to win this game. The Africans are the more compact and cohesive side and I expect them to at least get a draw, if not win this. They will probably have more motivation as well as the game progresses and Portugal’s chances diminish. My tip is Ghana +0,5 handicap, expect them to hit Portugal on the breaks, just like they did against Germany. Odds are going up on this bet, but I have no problem with that whatsoever. Prediction: Portugal – Ghana 1-2.

Pick: Ghana (+0,5)
Odds: 1.92 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.36
Event date: 26 June