Euro 2012
2012-06-17 - Portugal vs Holland
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: Euro 2012 Group B
Sunday 17 June 2012 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Preview
The 'group of death' could potentially take down TWO of the more favoured nations tonight if results conspire in the correct manner. Both Portugal and Holland can still qualify for the Quarter Finals, while both could also exit the tournament depending on the result in the Denmark-Germany game that will be playing at the same time.
Holland have been one of the biggest disappointments of the tournament as they have lost both games, yet they are still alive thanks to Portugal's late winner against Denmark in the second round of matches. Holland lost to Denmark in their opening game 0-1, but they missed a huge number of chances in that game, and they continued in that manner against Germany last time out.
The Dutch could easily have been ahead in that game before losing their confidence as Germany led 2-0 at half time. The consolation goal from Robin Van Persie could be huge from that game as it does mean Holland can go through on goal difference depending on the result they get in this game.
Portugal also lost to Germany, but they could consider themselves a touch unfortunate to have done so. They then looked a really good team when taking a 2-0 lead over Denmark, but they then lacked composure in front of goal and allowed the Danes to level at 2-2 before scoring a late winner to put themselves in command of their position.
The Portuguese know that they have to match the Denmark result from their game with Germany, while avoiding defeat to Holland and they will be going through to the Quarter Finals. It would take an exceptional result from the Danes to prevent Portugal going through if they win this game, and any such result would still likely see Portugal through at the expense of the Germans.
It should be an interesting game as both teams seem determined to get on the front foot as soon as possible and take the game to their opponents. The Dutch have no choice of course as they have to win by a couple of goals if Germany win their game with Denmark, while that should also leave gaps for Portugal to exploit.
Head to Head
Before the tournament, a lot of the Holland fans were most worried about playing Portugal and you can understand that as it has now been eight games and over twenty years since they last beat them.
This will be the first match between the two since the infamous game at the World Cup in 2006 which was won by Portugal, but is perhaps more remembered for the aggressive fouls which resulted in 4 red cards and just a nasty match all round.
They also met at the European Championships in 2004 that resulted in a 2-1 win for Portugal.
Prediction
This could be the highest-scoring game of the group stages as neither side is likely going to sit back and take a wait and see approach to the game and I also think neither is the best defensively.
Portugal have the advantage mentally as the Dutch wanted to pick up four points before this game as they felt this is one they could always lose. However, they are playing without as much expectation now as they have lost their opening two games and they do have some players in the line up that could easily go on a scoring burst.
Holland's defence has hardly been inspiring though and I think there will be a lot of chances for the Portuguese on the counter attack and there will be an opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to open his account at this tournament.
With the Dutch being tipped to sacrifice some of their 'defensive minded' players for attacking players, I do think we could see a few goals in this one and taking the Over 4.5 goals at 6.00 looks like it could give us a run, especially if there is an early goal in this one.
The Pick :
Portugal 3-3 Holland
