Portugal vs Brazil – goals could flow as rivalry is resumed

Although Portugal are all but certain of joining the already qualified Brazil in the round of 16, there will be no holding back in this meeting of sworn rivals.

A Brazil win is very temptingly priced at 11/10, particularly so when you consider that they won the last meeting between the sides 6-2.

There is a traditional, feisty rivalry between the teams, and in 18 encounters, Brazil have won 12 times, while Portugal have been victorious on just four occasions.

Despite being crushed in their latest match against Brazil, however, Portugal have actually fared rather well in recent years, winning two of the last three fixtures between the sides.

For Portugal to beat Brazil at 13/5, Carlos Queiroz’s men will need to reproduce the defensive solidity which has seen them concede just three goals from their last 18 matches.

Much will also depend on their superstar captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who orchestrated their 7-0 demolition of North Korea. Ronaldo is 6/1 to score first against Brazil.

The Real Madrid winger will be ably supported in attack by Hugo Almeida (8/1 to open the scoring) and Simao (12/1 to score first), while Brazilian-born Liedson could make an impact as a substitute. Liedson is 7/2 to find the net at any time.

Brazil’s goal threats, meanwhile, are scattered all over the pitch. While Luis Fabiano is 4/1 to break the deadlock, the buccaneering right-back Maicon is a tempting 20/1 to open the scoring, as he did against North Korea.

With both sides in little or no danger of being eliminated at the group stage, the game could well be played at a lively tempo, and goals could flow. A match total of over 2.5 goals is 6/5.

And with Brazil capable of scoring from almost anywhere in the stadium, it could be Dunga’s men who edge this tie and qualify for the last 16 as Group G winners.

Do you think this tie is too close to call? The draw is 23/10. See the full Portugal vs Brazil market.