World Cup Bet of the Day: Côte d'Ivoire - Portugal

Some fabulous odds for a mouth-watering clash...

15 Jun 2010 13:54:00

By Patrick Reilly

More On :  Ivory Coast, Portugal
Deco, Portugal (Getty Images)

Don't Miss
Kick Off: Tuesday, June 15, 2010. 15:00 BST
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Few games are as appetising as this inaugural instalment in Group G. On paper it looks like a cracker, with an abundance of flair on both sides and make no mistake about it, if this match does provide a winner they are pretty much guaranteed to be following Brazil into the last 16.

There are more sub-plots than you'll find in an Agatha Christie novel. Will Sven Goran Eriksson break his curse against Portugal? How will a half-fit Didier Drogba play? Will Cristiano Ronaldo score again for Portugal? Will Carlos Queiroz show he's a top class manager.

Enough already. Let's crack on.

Portugal certainly have the talent to win the World Cup and are joint ninth favourites with France at 26.0. In qualifying they were hit-and-miss, losing at home to Denmark while their build up was notable for an astonishing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde Islands. Things got back on track with back-to-back wins over African opponents Cameroon and Mozambique who they defeated 3-1 and 3-0 respectively with five of the six goals coming in the second half.  

As has been much discussed Cristiano Ronaldo had a disappointing qualifying campaign, failing to score. His talent certainly isn't in question and he could grenade into his best form at any given moment. Portugal did struggle for goals in qualifying and the absence of Nani will be felt particularly in a tight game. Still, you would take Ronaldo over Nani any day of the week.

Cote d’Ivoire's new manager Sven Goran Eriksson has been praising his team for their physical power, saying he's never worked with such strong players before. The return of Didier Drogba, even wearing a protective cast, will make a big difference as even a half-fit Drogba remains the talisman for the Elephants.

The Africans shared the spoils 2-2 with Paraguay and beat Japan 2-0 in their warm up games. Sven has his hands full having only recently taken the job but he does have an axe to grind with Portugal, who eliminated his England team in 2004 and 2006. As coach of the Three Lions he never failed to get them out of the group stage in a major tournament. Doing it with the Ivory Coast will be a tougher task.

Suggested bets
The three way is very inviting as Portugal are better than even money while Cote d’Ivoire are well priced at 3.53. Cristiano Ronaldo is 4.50 to score first and 2.0 to be on the mark at anytime. Returning hitman Didier Drogba is 5.0 to score first and 2.25 to be on the mark at anytime.

Both teams have been making a habit of scoring in the second half in friendly games so two goals in the second 45 minutes at 3.75 could be runner.

Special bets
Goal.com's betting partner Titan Bet have created some tasty markets for this one. Cristiano Ronaldo is 13.0 to score from a free-kick while the first goal itself to come from a free kick is valued at 17.0. If you fancy the first goal to come from a header you'll get odds of 4.50. Didier Drogba is 7.0 to be man of the match on his return.

Best Bet
Both teams to score at 2.10. Having had some problems with African teams I've given up on relying on them for a result. Ivory Coast have enough firepower to score at least once while Portugal are sure to get on the mark too with their array of talent. If you think it won't happen you'll get odds of 1.69.

Expert eye
Robin Bairner, Goal.com International
"Though Portugal have not always been at their best in the warm-up games, they are favourites to start the tournament with a win. Cote d’Ivoire are more than just Didier Drogba and should prove to be strong opponents. If Portugal lack cutting edge, they may be punished".

Prediction: Portugal 1-1 Cote d’Ivoire

Odds on 1-1 draw: 6.50

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Odds correct at time of publication. Goal.com encourages all readers who bet to do so sensibly.

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