Portugal’s first ever game at a major tournament could hardly be more difficult, as they take on their near neighbours and rivals Spain in the first game of Group D at the Women’s European Championship.
This really is a baptism of fire for the Portugese. Spain are amongst the heavyweights of women’s soccer in Europe and this is reflected in the odds, as they are priced at 1/10 with Ladbrokes.
Euro Championships Women, Stadion De Vijverberg – Wednesday 19th July 2017, 5:00 pm
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Draw Best Odd of: 9/1 at Ladbrokes |
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It is usually said that local derbies can throw up some strange results, but the bookmakers aren’t giving much chance of that happening here, as Portugal are priced at 18/1 with Ladbrokes. This is an incredibly large price considering there are only three possible outcomes, but it shows the vast difference in standards between the two teams – Spain are simply a level above Portugal.
The draw is priced at a competitive 15/2 with Ladbrokes, but looks an unlikely outcome to us. The last time these two sides faced off against each other, there was a predictable result – the Spaniards won by four goals to one in a hammering for Portugal. During that game, the Spaniards looked like they had an extra yard of pace in comparison to their opposition and it really was a whitewash.
That was only in April of last year and we doubt that the gap between the two sides has shortened much since. Many of the same players are involved for both sides, so Portugal task seems to be mountainous.
Thus, Spain at a handicap of -2 could be a good bet. It is priced at 10/11 with Ladbrokes and it is probably where the smart money will be going. It’s going to a be a very long evening for the women from Portugal.
Virginia Torrecilla and Alexia Putellas opened the scoring for Spain in the first half of that game in 2016. Both are likely to be involved in this clash and they are priced at 7/1 and 41/10 with 10Bet to open the scoring on the night. Putellas is a world-class player and she will be in her element playing against Portugal’s weak defense.
Amanda Sampedro and Verónica Boquete completed the scoring for Spain in the second-half of that game. 10Bet have Sampedro at 29/4 to get the first in this European Championship match, while Boquete is no longer involved in the international set-up – not that she is missed, as Spain has several strong players in every position and they will fancy their chances of winning the tournament outright.
Dolores Silva got Portugal’s only goal on the evening and if you think she will repeat that trick here, you can back her to get the first goal at a price of 33/1.