Portugal vs Denmark – Tough start for Bento in must win game

Portugal are in desperate need for a victory from their Group H clash with Denmark to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012.

Paulo Bento begins his tenure in charge knowing that Portugal took just one point from their opening two games, leaving them five points adrift of current Group H leaders Norway.

However, things will not be easy as Denmark have won two of the last three meetings between the pair, including a 3-2 victory in Portugal during the qualifying stages for this year’s World Cup.

Denmark are 9/2 to beat Portugal again, while it is 8/13 that Bento marks his first game in charge since replacing Carlos Queiroz with a victory.

Meanwhile, those wanting a bigger priced bet may want to take advantage of the 50/1 on offer for Denmark to repeat their 3-2 success.

Better news for Portugal is that they have won six of their last ten showdowns with Denmark.

Norway head to Cyprus in the other game in the group and may have to seal victory without John Carew if they want to maintain their 100 per cent start.

Carew is a doubt because of a knee problem and if he is deemed unfit to start then in-form Hannover striker Mohammed Abdellaoue is a likely candidate to take his place.

Norway are 6/5 to beat Cyprus, with the home side 23/10 to gain a first group victory and build on their 4-4 draw with Portugal in their opening game.

Cyprus have lost all five of their previous games with Norway, including on three occasions at home, although the most recent of these fixtures was back in 1995.

Despite Portugal’s disappointing start to their Group H campaign, they remain the 1/1 favourites to recover and finish at the head of the group. See the full Group H winners betting odds market.