Betdistrict.com
The most anticipated match of the playoffs will see two fine teams fight for World Cup qualification, and it`s a shame that one of these two will have to miss the final tournament. A great battle is expected today in Lisbon.
Portugal keeps on failing to impress at National Team level, despite having top-class players on every position on the pitch. The home side had to settle for second place in a pretty easy qualifying group, being outplayed by Russia. However, Portugal was undefeated at home in the group (3-2-0) and displayed some good attacking football overall, scoring 20 goals in 10 matches. Their defense was their main problem, with 9 goals conceded against some poor teams like Northern Ireland or Israel.
Sweden could not have hoped for more than a playoff place, being drawn in the same group as Germany. The Mannschaft cruised through the qualies, but Sweden did well to get the second place and leave behind teams like Austria and Republic of Ireland. Similar to Portugal, Sweden has been very sharp in front of goal, but their defense has been truly woeful. Opponents created chances at will against the nordic side, and in the last game Sweden conceded 5 goals from Germany at home (3-5). Today`s visitors can not defend, that is a fact.
Team news & lineups
Both teams will be happy to have no misssing players. Ronaldo missed some early training previously this week but he is 100% fit and ready for the game. Sweden will field a rather defensive first 11, knowing they could be easily punished with their hesitant back line if they don`t take measures.
 |
Excellent in-play markets and top-class live streaming coverage. Bet at Unibet and claim your bonus now ! |
Portugal: Patricio – Perreira, Alves, Pepe, Coentrao – Moutinho, Veloso, Meireles – Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo
Sweden: Isaksson – Lustig, Antonsson, Nilsson, Olsson – Kakaniklic, Elm, Larsson, Svensson, Wernbloom – Ibrahimovic
This has all the makings of a high scoring game. Two offensive teams, a horrible Sweden defense and 2 of the best players in the world leading the attacking line for Portugal (Ronaldo) and Sweden (Ibrahimovic). However, I am a little reluctant to take the over bet here, considering the importance of the game and the fact that the visitors will go with a defensive tactical approach. What I do feel is worth backing here is Cristiano Ronaldo to score.
The Real Madrid star will surely be the go to guy for Portugal tonight, and he has proved many times he can create chances for himself and finish them. Ronaldo is in some of his best form of his career, carrying the struggling Real Madrid side, and he will surely look to do the same for Portugal. Actually, he found the net 5 times in the last 4 games he played for the National Team, so he is in top form not only for his club, but for Portugal also. An important factor will be that he will play as left-striker, like he does with Real Madrid, as opposed to a left winger, a position in which he was often used in the Portugal team. Ronaldo will be marked by Celtic`s Lustig, a player which has faced a lot of criticism for his poor National Team performances and is overall far from a reliable defender. I just can`t see Lustig stopping Cristiano. Antonsson and Kacaniklic are the other players who will operate in Ronaldo`s area, and they are also current liabilities for Sweden. Of course, free kicks and penalties also represent opportunities for Ronaldo to score.
Portugal is expected to score at least once or twice, if not more times, so Ronaldo will have his chances to get himself on the scoresheet. The fact that Sweden will operate more defensively will force the hosts to rely more on Ronaldo to open them up. I rarely make goalscorer bets, but this time I can see a lot of arguments for Cristiano to find the back of the net. Back Ronaldo to score at anytime. The odds are actually pretty good. As for the final result, I would have gone with 3-2 before seeing the lineups, but with the 5-4-1 setup by the visitors I will say Portugal – Sweden 2-1.
Pick: Cristiano Ronaldo anytime goalscorer
Odds: 2.00 @ Unibet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8
Event date: 15 November
Editor Facts
- Rostick is 4 for 13 in November
