World Cup
2006-07-05 - Portugal vs France
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:France goes into this match being the best shape according to Portuguese coach Luis Felipe Scolari. The man who guided Brazil to the last World Cup in Japan and South Korea will have to mastermind a strategy to plot the downfall of France as their opponents has never lost against Portugal for 31 years now.
However, these two countries have never met in a World Cup match before, but the French edged the Portuguese side twice in the semi-finals of the European Championships in 1986 and 2000.
Scolari was playing mind games when he admited that Portugal have not beaten France for the past 31 years, so they are the favourites in this match. However Portugal have been playing very well and Scolari was quick to point that even thought Portugal have not beaten Brazil since 1966, but then they managed to beat Brazil in 2003. Then Portugal could not beat Spain for many years but they also recently beaten them.
Scolari was quick to point out that the favourites don't always win so it is up to them to change the past results or even the course of history. Scolari, is of course the man I think could be the key here, apart from players such as Deco, Ronaldo and World Footballer of the Year in previous times - Luis Figo. Scolari has a record of 12 unbeaten run in the World Cup which stretches from the last tournamanent where he took Brazil hisn native country to the title. At the moment, Portugal who are on a 19 game unbeaten run have yet to lose in Germany.
For the France team there is Zidane who will want to retire on a winning note as well as Thierry Henry who plays for Arsenal. But Frank Ribery noted that Portugal are defensively better organized than Brazil and in their attack you have the likes of Deco, Figo and Ronaldo.
As for my pick, I will go for Portugal. As I said, they key lies in the tactician, and that is Luis Felipe Scolari. Scolari who managed Brazil to the last World Cup, has never lost a World Cup game before. In Germany he extended that run over two tournament for 12 matches now. France who eliminated Defending Champions Brazil will face another Brazilian in Scolari at the helm and it won't be easy.
Of course, if you take Scolari out of the equation then France look like certain winners here today. And under Scolari, the Portuguese have not lost in 19 games dating way back to February 2005. This is Portugal's best showing since 1966 and Scolari who was known as a ruthless central defender in his playing days has outstanding leadership qualities.
I will go for Portugal here and accept the 1/2 ball on offer.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Draw Match 1-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for this match to end in a draw in 90 minutes.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Portugal and accept the 1/2 ball or 1/4 ball.
