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After Roberto Martínez’s side won the Nations League a year ago, beating Germany in the semi-finals and Spain in the final, the Portuguese national team come into this World Cup with the ambition of reaching their first ever final.
Before entering the knockout stage, Portugal want to secure the points needed to guarantee qualification as quickly as possible. A win on Wednesday is therefore the only result that matters for them.
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Portugal v DR Congo tips (Wednesday, 18:00 BST)
Portugal to win - 2/7 @ bet365
Portugal to score in both halves - 1/1 @ bet365
Portugal Asian handicap -1.5 - 1.580 @ bet365
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.
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Starting the World Cup with a win
Portugal, ranked fifth in the FIFA rankings, go into this opening Group K match as favourites against DR Congo, who are 46th in the world and only secured their place in the tournament in the final qualifying playoff, beating Jamaica 1-0 after extra time.
Opening matches at World Cups often bring unexpected difficulties for the favourites, as shown by recent draws for Switzerland and Brazil, or Turkey’s defeat.
Even so, I believe the experience and quality of the Portuguese squad will ultimately make the difference in next Wednesday’s match, allowing the team to claim all three points. Add this bet to your accumulator.
Tip: Portugal to win - 2/7 @ bet365
Bet explanation: If Portugal win the match, this bet is a winner.
Squad depth boosts confidence
This is a match where Portugal should look to score as early as possible, preventing DR Congo from growing in confidence as the game goes on, and reducing any anxiety that might arise if the score remains goalless for too long.
With a squad full of options for every position on the pitch, I believe the Portuguese team have enough quality to score at least one goal in each half.
The odds offered by bet365 for this market are very attractive, so I see a lot of value in this bet. In this case, it doesn’t even matter who wins the match: if DR Congo concede a goal in the first half and another in the second, the bet is a winner, and you’ll make a good profit.
Tip: Portugal to score in both halves - 1/1 @ bet365
Bet explanation: If Portugal score at least one goal in each half, you win.
Attacking superiority points to a comfortable win
Portugal have one of the greatest varieties of quality attacking options at this World Cup. With full-backs who love to get forward, like João Cancelo and Nuno Mendes, midfielders who get into scoring positions with ease, such as Vitinha, João Neves and Bruno Fernandes, and top-class wingers and strikers, the Portuguese side have a great ability to create and convert chances.
For the match against DR Congo, I believe there’s a strong chance Portugal will score more than once and secure a comfortable win by at least two goals. Place a single bet on this prediction.
Tip: Portugal Asian handicap -1.5 - 1.580 @ bet365
Bet explanation: If Portugal win the match by two or more goals, you win.
Portugal v DR Congo match odds
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.
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