Portugal Euro 2020: Team News, Odds & Predictions
Reigning champions Portugal look in a good place to mount a challenge at Euro 2020 this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo & Co knowing that they must be at their best after being drawn in the “Group of Death”. There is little doubting Portugal’s quality, but do they have what it takes to become only the second team to win the European Championships back to back. Looking to place a bet on Portugal at Euro 2020? On this page you will find all key details, including their key players and fixtures. We will kick things off by discussing Portugal’s history at major tournaments.
Portugal History
Their success at Euro 2016 was Portugal’s first major tournament title. An extra time winner from Eder against hosts France saw Portugal come out on top, helping to make up for their final defeat against Greece back in 2004. The team has been very disappointing at the World Cup, having failed to make it past the semi-finals. Portugal finished third at the 2017 Confederations Cup, having been beaten by Chile on penalties in the semi-finals.
How Portugal Qualified for Euro 2020
Portugal qualified for Euro 2020 despite not topping their group. Portugal finished as runners-up in Group B, three points behind Ukraine. They won five of their eight matches, losing just once, coming against the Ukraine in October 2019. Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net 11 times during qualifying, meaning that he finished as the top scorer in Group B. It also means that Ronaldo scored half of Portugal’s total goals during their campaign.
Portugal in Group F
While Portugal’s clashes against France and Germany are highly anticipated, a tie against Hungary in Budapest is certainly not a guaranteed three points. The two teams met at Euro 2020, with an entertaining 3-3 draw having been played out. However, with matches against former champions France and Germany to round their Group F campaign off, Portugal know that they must start fast. Below is how their fixtures look ahead of Euro 2020:
- Hungary vs Portugal – Ferenc Puskás Stadium, Budapest – June 15 17:00
- Portugal vs Germany – Allianz Arena, Munich – June 19 17:00
- Portugal vs France – Ferenc Puskás Stadium, Budapest – June 23 20:00
Portugal Euro 2020: Odds & Predictions
Reigning champions Portugal are behind the likes of England, France and Belgium in the Euro 2020 betting odds, with Fernando Santos’ side being available at best odds of 9/1 from the likes of Tonybet and Ladbrokes. Below is how the team is priced to win Euro 2020 at our favourite betting sites:
| Bet365 | 8/1 | |
| Tonybet | 9/1 | |
| 888Sport | 8/1 | |
| SportNation | 9/1 | |
| Betfair | 17/2 | |
| NetBet | 17/2 | |
| William Hill | 8/1 | |
| Ladbrokes | 9/1 |
Away from the outright tournament winner market, there are a host of other betting options surrounding the Portuguese team. Firstly, a bet that many punters will be considering if backing Cristiano Ronaldo to win the golden boot at Euro 2020. This market is available at best odds of 14/1 with William Hill. Elsewhere, having helped Atletico Madrid in winning the La Liga title this season, Joao Felix is 10/1 to win the young player of the tournament award.
The Manager
66-year-old Fernando Santos has been in charge of the Portuguese national team since back in 2014. The former FC Porto, Sporting CP, Benfica and PAOK boss took his first steps into international management with Greece between 2010-2014. Having led Portugal to their first ever major title, Santos is loved by fans in the country, however Santos will be hoping his side can make up for their early exit at the 2018 World Cup. Santos speaks both English and Greek, as well as his native Portuguese.
Standout Players
There is only one place to start – Cristiano Ronaldo. The Juventus man remains one of the world’s top players, even at the age of 36. He has broken almost every goalscoring record that there is to break, including scoring a century of goals at senior international level. Elsewhere, a host of Premier League players are found in the Portugal squad. Recently named player of the season Ruben Dias will feature in defence, while Manchester City teammates Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo are also likely starters. 37-year-old Jose Fonte and 38-year-old Pepe are among the oldest players at Euro 2020 this summer.
Portugal’s Strengths & Weaknesses
Portugal are a team that has almost endless options, especially in attack. It remains to be seen as to who will operate alongside Ronaldo in attack, with Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Andre Silva and Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix having all had good seasons in front of goal. Defence is potentially an issue for Portugal, with manager Santos having a decision to make regarding who partners Dias at centre back. While they have huge experience in this area, time will tell as to whether Pepe can deliver at the highest level one last time.
Our Prediction for Portugal at Euro 2020
Having been drawn alongside France and Germany in Group E, we are going to make the bold prediction that Portugal will exit early from Euro 2020. This market is available at odds of 3/1 with many leading bookies, a relatively short price given their status as the defending champions. While Portugal have a good squad, they require the likes of Ronaldo, Silva and Dias to be on top form.