Portugal have not really been mentioned among the favourites to win Euro 2012 despite the fact they boast one of the best players in the world, in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Real Madrid winger has to burden a lot of responsibility for Paulo Bento’s side as he is both creator and goalscorer, but there is no doubting his talent given the incredible goal-scoring season he recent enjoyed in La Liga.
What is against Portugal’s chances of winning is the fact they are in the ‘Group of Death’ along with Germany, Holland and Denmark – and their chances have not been helped as they lost their first game 1-0 to the Germans.
Betfair Germany betting has picked up pace following the result and, though Ronaldo looked the dangerous focal point for Portugal in that game as they posed questions for the German defence, the attacker admits he is frustrated that the team failed to take something from the game.
If the Portuguese can improve their finishing come their other two Group B games, starting against Denmark next time out, then they stand a chance of making it to the knockout stages as they eye a repeat of 2004, where they made it to the final before losing to Greece.
“We have been playing well for several games and just haven’t had the luck with our finishing. It’s not due to efficiency; I think the main reason has been a lack of luck,” said Ronaldo.
“But now we have to pick ourselves up and continue. We have to take as an example 2004, when we also started with a defeat, but then reached the final.”
The likes of Nani and Helder Postiga will need to step up in the remaining group games, but there is capability in the Portuguese camp, as was demonstrated when they beat Spain 4-0 in a friendly during Bento’s reign in charge.
It’s a result that the Euro Cup 2012 betting community would be wise to note before they write off Bento’s men.
