Portugal v Holland: Demoralised Dutch no match for Portugal

Different era – same problems. The Dutch are once again imploding, as talk of egos and manager’s favourites rears its ugly head in the feuding Dutch camp.

The World Cup finalists were among the favourites before the competition, having retained much of the side that saw so much success two years ago in South Africa.

However now that they’ve failed to pick up a point following successive losses to Denmark and Germany, they are way out at 28/1 to claim an unlikely second European title.

On paper, the two-goal victory and German defeat of Denmark that they require to progress does not seem an impossible ask, and the time is right for anyone who still has faith in Bert van Marwijk’s squad to back the Dutch at 28/1.

However those who have watched a disorganised and at times seemingly disinterested Dutch side in the first two games will have seen little to suggest that this will be the case.

They may be favourites to win the game at 6/4 (2-0 is 14/1), but the sensible money should be on the Portuguese, who – while clearly possessing a weaker XI – seem to be united and prepared to scrap following a determined finale against a hardy Danish side. They represent great value at 7/4 to win.

In that game, despite losing a two-goal lead, the 2004 finalists still had the character to find a winner, and the goalscorer – Silvestre Varela – looks a good shout at 10/1 to score first should he be rewarded for his efforts with a starting berth.

Ronaldo’s La Liga form has deserted him so far, but should he wish to prove those critics who claim he fails to produce in national colours wrong, there won’t be a better time for him to do so against a Dutch defence ran ragged at times against the Germans – he’s 6/1 to score first on Sunday.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing