Portugal

Portugal Euro 2012 odds

Portugal Euro2008Portugal have a decent record at recent major tournaments, reaching the final of Euro 2004, semi-finals of World Cup 2006, the last eight at Euro 2008 and the knock-out stages of World Cup 2010, where they narely lost to eventual winners Spain.

Portugal were pipped to the post by Denmark in Qualification Group H after the Danes beat them 2-1 in the final group match to take top spot. This meant that Portugal had to go through the nerve-racking play-off process against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Portugal held them to a goalless draw away before thrashing them 6-2 in the second leg to secure their place at Euro 2012.

Portugal have been drawn in Euro 2012 Group B with Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Due to the standard of teams in the group they will have to be at their very best to qualify for the knock-out stages. Their first match is against the heavily favoured Germany on 8th June 2012.

Portugal do have a very good record in the European Championships and the odds for Portugal to win the 2012 European Championships are around 18/1, and they are likely to give their backers a good run for their money if they were to reach the later stages of the competition.

Key Players

The Portuguese squad has several world class players, but the player to keep an eye on will be captain Cristiano Ronaldo who is the sort of experienced goalscorer that you need on your side. Others to look out for include Nani and the strikers Nuno Gomes and Hélder Postiga.

Portugal European Championships Previous Form

Portugal finished runners-up to Greece on home soil in Euro 2004.

PlayedWonDrawnLost
231247

Portugal Squad

Goalkeepers
Eduardo
Quim
Rui Patrício

Defenders
Bruno Alves
Pepe
Ricardo Carvalho
Fabio Coentrao
Jose Bosingwa
Joao Pereira
Duda
Rolando

Midfielders
Miguel Veloso
Ruben Micael
Raul Meireles
Joao Moutinho
Paulo Machado
Manuel Fernandes
Raul Meireles
Carlos Martins
Danny

Forwards
Cristiano Ronaldo (captain)
Ricardo Quaresma
Nani
Hugo Almeida
Helder Postiga
Nuno Gomes

Portugal Group H Qualification Results

  • Portugal 4-4 Cyprus
  • Norway 1-0 Portugal
  • Portugal 3-1 Denmark
  • Iceland 1-3 Portugal
  • Portugal 1-0 Norway
  • Cyprus 0-4 Portugal
  • Portugal 5-3 Iceland
  • Denmark 2-1 Portugal

Play Off Results

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-0 Portugal
  • Portugal 6-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina