Portugal 2010 World Cup Team

Portugal Football Team Profile & Form

Portugal came perilously close to missing out on a place at the 2010 Football World Cup when it failed to win its tough qualifying group – UEFA Group 1. Nevertheless, the Portuguese came through for their supporters by defeating Bosnia Herzegovina in the World Cup playoffs.

Portugal’s performances outside of qualifying have been respectable, if not inspiring. The Portuguese reached the quarterfinals of the Euro2008 tournament, but have since had little exposure to teams from beyond their qualifying group.

Based on their 4th place finish at the 2006 World Cup, and the presence of striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal must be considered to be amongst the teams with an outside chance of taking the title in South Africa in 2010.

Quick Facts

Nickname: Selecção das Quinas
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Confederation: UEFA
Best World Cup Performance: Fourth Place (2006)
Highest FIFA Ranking: 4

Form in last 5 matches

(Up to 18/11/2009)

Results: WWWWW
Clean Sheets: 5
Average Score: 2 – 0 victory

Portugal World Cup Betting Tip

Portugal is realistically priced in the World Cup outright betting markets, with best odds on the team available from the betting exchanges. Dedicated fans will be happy to place an each-way bet at 20/1, however, outright bets on Portugal are best reserved for hedging bets on some of the genuine title contenders at the tournament.

The Portugal football team’s greatest strength appears to be it’s defence, and it is unusual for more than one goal to make its way past the Portuguese keeper. Therefore look out for clean sheet betting opportunities, and consider placing scorecast bets using key striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal 2010 World Cup Group Fixtures