Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina odds - Portugal protects home field to take advantage
Sportsbook players watched Portugal struggle before they broke out of their shell to reach a two-game playoff against dangerous Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the first match coming on Saturday in Portugal. Even missing their captain through injury, Portugal have enough talent in the side to come away with the win, due to a more team-oriented approach.
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina odds: Portugal -275; Bosnia +625; Draw +300
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Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Portugal barely made it to a playoff, winning their last two matches by a combined score of 7-0, all without captain and World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo. Bosnia-Herzegovina has never qualified for the World Cup, and even a 5-2 loss at home to Spain in their last match didn’t stop them from finishing second in their group. Portugal has more to lose here, given their talent. It would be outrageous if the World Player of the Year wasn’t even in South Africa.
Betting Edge: Portugal
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Portuguese had all kinds of problems scoring goals before the last pair of games, and Simao has taken over not only the captain’s armband, but the scoring load as he netted three goals in those matches. Nani is next on the team in goals with three, and he’s been better for Portugal than he has been for Manchester United. Still, it’s amazing that Portugal could barely find the net until the end of the group stages.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has scored 25 goals in 10 games, and Edin Dzeko’s nine goals is second among all scorers, while Zlatan Misimovic has added five for the Bosnians. Dzeko’s stock has gone up and it’ll be tough for German club Wolfsburg to keep him after this year, especially since he almost went to AC Milan last year.
Betting Edge: Draw
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina odds maker breakdown: Defense
The main reason that Portugal still have an online betting chance to reach South Africa is a stingy defense that has allowed just five goals, tied for third among all teams. Fullback Jose Bosingwa is out for the Portuguese, but they have a ready-made replacement for him in Paulo Ferreira, who is also filling in for him at Chelsea and he’s an experienced player.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has allowed 13 goals, choosing to play an open game, which could very well favor Portugal here. They’ve gone between Nemanja Supic and Kenan Hasagic in goal, and Emir Saphic is the only defender to play at least nine matches. If they’re going to progess, Bosnia-Herzegovina definitely needs to tighten up at the back.
Betting Edge: Portugal
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Obviously, Ronaldo (ankle) is a big loss...or is it? Ronaldo never scored in seven matches, and they seemed to play a more open game without their captain in the lineup, possibly because they’re too dependent on him to make a play. Also, Bosingwa (knee) robs Portugal of an attacking threat on the flanks.
Bosnia-Herzegovina is very healthy heading into this match, and they’ll need all hands all deck.
Betting Edge: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina odds maker breakdown: Totals
Portugal has stepped up their attacking verve, and you know the Bosnians like to pass it around. Both teams will play an open match in this game to try and take an advantage to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday. The Bosnians should snatch an away goal, as well.
Pick: OVER 2.5
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
These two have never met, so there’s not much to go on. Portugal seems to have gotten their act together quickly, mysteriously coinciding with Ronaldo’s injury, and there seems to be more team play going on. Bosnia-Herzegovina have a good spirit in the team and they never feel as though they’re out of it. That’s why they’ll grab a vital away goal on Saturday, but they’re shaky away from home.
TODD’S PICK: Portugal -275
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