Ivory Coast v Portugal Best Odds, Asian Handicap Tips and Stats

Portugal Threat Bigger Than Just Cristiano Ronaldo

Enter Cristiano Ronaldo to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is fair to say that we could see a major improvement in the quality of dead ball deliveries when Portugal kick off against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday. This is probably the biggest clash in the first round of opening group matches, as these are two strong teams, scrapping for supremacy in the race to keep tags on Brazil in the group. A loss in this opening fixture could spell disaster in such as tough group, with both having obviously having to still play the South Americans. Hopefully this should turn out to be the best match of the opening games, with both teams needing to go for the jugular, but with both teams having their vulnerabilities. Neither side are particularly consistent, and neither have been able to stand up and say that they have made best use of the resources available to them. Portugal struggled through qualification, and while Cristiano Ronaldo did miss a lot of the matches through injury, it could highlight just how much the nation relies upon his heroics. Yes, he is a World Class player, that is not in doubt, and once he had returned from injury, he started to really shine for his new club Real Madrid by banging in the goals. Can he elevate Portugal, who have climbed up to third in the FIFA World Rankings, after a reshuffle of the points system.

That came as something of a surprise, as there are better teams around than Portugal. Do Portugal need Cristiano Ronaldo to carry them? Well, the fact that Ronaldo himself came out and said that in order for them to succeed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup they would need more than just the handful of star players which they have to perform, points to the reasoning that they do. Ronaldo called for his team mates and unsung heroes to stand up and play their part, and not rely solely on him. Portugal have already lost Manchester United winger Nani through injury, and A Selecção das Quinas need to show the same battling qualities which they displayed over the latter half of qualification. After winning just one of their five opening matches, Portugal suddenly plugged the holes in their back line, and rediscovered their scoring touch. OK, it was not a spectacular turn around, but the fight that Carlos Queiroz’s men displayed in getting over the line, was admirably, if not pretty. Their troubles in actually getting to the World Cup finals will probably mean that a lot of people underestimate them. Being drawn in a group along with Brazil and the Ivory Coast won’t have helped much, but Portugal have more to offer than their early qualification form showed.

With an impressive build up to South Africa 2010, Portugal could be peaking at the right time, now having won their last eight matches. During that run, they have conceded just one goal. So should the Portuguese be worth looking at in a little more depth for your World Cup Betting? Absolutely. They are no slouches, and on the day, they should have more confidence and team mentality than the Ivory Coast. They seem to have gotten over whatever slump was bothering them, and have found their consistency. They really could be ones to watch out for, and while they are out at 33/1 at Bet365 to win the tournament, that could shorten dramatically if they beat the Ivory Coast. The trouble is, if they cannot get the better of Brazil in the group, then the second placed team from Group G will go up against the winner of Group H, which is likely to be Spain. But with a great defensive record at the moment, which may surprise a lot of people, Portugal could be primed and ready to take them on. Let’s not forget, Portugal reached the semi’s in 2006. But for now, they will need to continue their fine form and take out the Ivory Coast, who are being coached by a familiar fellow.

Sven Goran-Eriksson The Missing Link?

Yes, Sven is back at the World Cup. After leading England through two disappointing campaigns, Eriksson was drafted in at a late stage to coach the Ivory Coast at the World Cup. This came about after a poor African Cup of Nations, which they were expected to win, which resulted in the firing of their head coach. So, the nation went for the experience of Eriksson, even though he seemed to be a strange choice, considering the strengths of the Elephants, and Eriksson’s philosophy towards the game. Eriksson is a cautious chap, as most England fans will tell you, and that is a bit of a departure from the free flowing attacking game which the Ivory Coast like to play. What can be said in Eriksson’s defence, is that the Ivory Coast have not had any great success with their style, and perhaps it is time to change. But Eriksson has not had a lot of time to stamp his authority over the side, and picked a predictable 23 man squad to take with him. He may have to cede some ground, and use the players which he has at his disposal in the best way that suits them, and that may mean relinquishing the reins a bit, a letting the natural Ivory Coast way shine through, and perhaps just glossing it over with his defensive and economical tactics.

It is considered a Golden Generation for the Ivory Coast, as their current squad has been together for quite some time. It is a pretty tough first competitive match for Eriksson to take the helm for though, as the stakes really could not be higher. He will know Portugal well, after England lost at both the 2006 World Cup, and the 2004 European Championships to the Portuguese. The big question on everyone’s mind, is will Didier Drogba play? The Ivory Coast talisman was injured in a warm up ahead of South Africa 2010, fracturing his arm, and no-one is sure if he will be able to play or not. The Chelsea man is with the Ivory Coast squad, and has been attending training. The decision will probably be left to the last minute by Eriksson, if for no other reason than to keep Portugal guessing. Will it be third time a charm for Eriksson against Portugal in recent times? He has some good players on his side, capable of winning, but has he had enough time to bring those players together as a team? That has always been the one criticism of the Ivory Coast, they have star players who look good on paper, but not so good on the pitch. See here for more on Ivory Coast v Portugal.

Portugal v Ivory Coast Odds and Stats

Ivory Coast 2, Japan 0
Paraguay 2, Ivory Coast 2
Korea Republic 2, Ivory Coast 0
Ivory Coast 2, Algeria 2
Ivory Coast 3, Ghana 1

Portugal 3, Mozambique 0
Portugal 3, Cameroon 1
Portugal 2, China 0
Bosnia 0, Portugal 1
Portugal 1, Bosnia 0

Last 5 Match Goals
Ivory Coast: 9 For, 7 Against
Portugal: 10 For, 1 Against

Recent Stats:
Ivory Coast: P37, W13, D12, L12 with a 35.1% win percentage
Portugal: P50, W28, D12, L10 with a 56.0% win percentage

World Cup Stats
Ivory Coast: P3, W1, D0, L2, GF5, GA6
Portugal: P19, W11, D1, L7, GF32, GA21

Last 10 Match Form:
Ivory Coast: DDDDDWDLDW
Portugal: DDWWWWWWWW

Match Odds
Portugal to win: 5/4 at Bet365
Draw: 23/10 at BetFred
Ivory Coast to win: 13/5 at Totesport

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Could be a close game, but nonetheless it seems as if Portugal should have enough to edge it. There is a huge amount at stake on this match, so we could see a cautious start by both side. The best prices would be giving Ivory Coast at least a goal advantage, but Portugal +0.25 for 2/5 at Bet365 is decent value on a safe bet.