Euro 2020 Portugal Specials

Euro 2016 champions Portugal enter this year’s competition looking to retain their title, and are priced at 8/1 to go all the way this time around. Fernando Santos has managed to evolve his side over the last five years and incorporate youthful talent alongside the more experienced men in the side.

The Portuguese have been drawn in what appears to be the ‘group of death’ alongside Germany and one of the tournament's favourites, France. Cristiano Ronaldo and co. will face a tough challenge to progress from the group, however, they are equipped with the ability and tactical know-how instilled by Fernando Santos which will help them along the way.

We don't think they'll win all three games, and we're backing them to beat one of France or Germany and Hungary, but lose another game - they are priced at 4/1 to get six out of nine points from the group.

Whilst Portugal have a difficult task to advance past the group stage, the four highest-rated third-place teams from the group stage will advance to the knockout stages of the competition. This should see them through to the round of 16 at least, as they will be expected to beat Hungary in their first group match in Budapest, whilst it could go either way with France or Germany.

The fixture against Hungary will be a repeat of their opener at the last tournament where both sides put on a spectacle in a 3-3 draw. Fernando Santos’ side qualified for the previous knockout stage without winning a single group game, on this occasion, they will look to improve on that and lay down a statement to the rest of the competition.

With over 100 goals scored by their attacking force this season, the Portuguese will have no problem converting chances at this year’s competition. Led by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo who will be fed by Manchester United talisman, Bruno Fernandes, Portugal have developed more tools going forward which they have been criticised for at previous tournaments.

Andre Silva, Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva have all had impressive seasons for their respective clubs and will look to carry this form into a major tournament and try to retain the European Championship trophy.

Every team full of skill and flamboyance always have an edge to them, making them tolerant to showing aggression when needed or in a reaction of spite. The Portuguese team are no stranger to showing aggression in their play, and with the likes of Pepe and Sergio Oliveira who have both accumulated nine yellow cards each this season, it’s certain they will pick up one or two bookings throughout the tournament.

The Porto players are 8/1 and 11/2 respectively to receive the most tournament bookings, and this comes as no surprise especially for Pepe who has seemingly matured with age, however, is known to lash out as seen throughout his trophy-laden career.

See our Italy Top scorer odds by clicking here.

By Agbolade Ibitola