Portugal – Ireland

With just two days to go until the start of the World Cup, Portugal will take on Republic of Ireland in an international friendly held in New Jersey, USA.

Portugal played an abysmal match a couple of days ago despite winning 1-0 in the last minute. It was one of the worst games I have ever seen and I counted a single goalscoring opportunity (for Mexico) in the 60-70 minutes I followed the encounter. Portugal was just so passive, never even looked able to enter Mexico’s box, let alone create chances. The odds for under 1,5 goals (not 2,5) were 1.60 in the 35th minute! Even so, Portugal is in great form with 5 wins and 1 draw in the last 6 matches, but clearly they are not too interested in these last friendlies – nobody wants to risk injuries and of course they badly miss Cristiano Ronaldo as well. Prior to the Mexico result, Portugal played another poor match, a 0-0 draw with Greece, so it`s questionable if they will be too motivated today.

Ireland failed to qualify for the World Cup and is in horrible form at the moment. They are on a 5 match winless run and last time out got a 1-1 draw against Costa Rica – they should have won the game, but on the other hand played with a one man advantage for 50 minutes. The good news for Ireland is that they have been competitive in every game for a long time, as only Spain and Germany managed to cover the handicap against them in the last two years. Ireland also lost just twice in the last 7 outings. They just lack that finishing edge to win games.

Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle.

Team news & lineups

Both sides will field very competitive lineups, but Portugal will again miss Cristiano Ronaldo, and they looked dreadful without him lately.

Portugal: Eduardo – J.Pereira, Ricardo Costa, Bruno Alves, Coentrao – Veloso, Amorim – Nani, Moutinho, Varela – Hugo Almeida

Ireland: Forde – Coleman, Willson, O’Shea, Ward – McCarthy, Meyler – McGeady, Hoolahan, Pilkington – Long

If you watched Portugal’s last two friendly matches you must have no doubt that this side is totally disinterested in these friendlies, and a bet on Portugal to win would be extremely risky, especially at these kind of odds. Ireland might not be a football powerhorse but they are a good side and will surely be much more motivated than Portugal, they would relish a result against such a highly rated team. The Irish are also very good on the defensive end, so they should be able to frustrate a Ronaldo-less Portugal which barely had 2-3 goalscoring chance in the last two matches. If Portugal does not suddenly raise the level it`s impossible to see them winning this, aside for a lucky break like they got against Mexico – and I doubt they will start forcing with 2 days before the World Cup. My tip is Ireland +0,5 handicap. Prediction: Portugal – Ireland 0-1.

Pick: Ireland (+0,5)
Odds: 2.20 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 9.60
Event date: 10 June