Portugal vs Denmark Odds - Ronaldo powers Portugal to much-needed victory

Portugal should be one of the online betting favorites in South Africa 2010, but first they have to make it there, and that trip is in grave danger heading into Saturday’s visit to leading group Denmark. Stars shine on the biggest stage in world soccer, and last year’s World Player of the Year - energized by a change of scenery in club soccer - will step up to dazzle the Danes.

Portugal vs Denmark Odds: Portugal (+100); Denmark (+225); Draw (+230)

• WHAT: World Cup betting
  
• WHEN: Saturday, September 5, 2:00 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
  
• KEY STAT: Denmark won 3-2 in Portugal in September 2008
  
• PICK: Portugal

Portugal vs Denmark Odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Portugal is in serious danger of missing the World Cup for the first time since France 1998, as they trail the first-place Danes by seven points in the standings, and second-place Hungary by four points. A loss would essentially eliminate them. Meanwhile, Denmark would be fine with a draw, but three more points would put them in a prime position to qualify after missing Germany 2006.

Betting Edge: Portugal

Portugal vs Denmark Odds maker breakdown: Offense
With a side that includes World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as players like Simao and Deco, you wouldn’t think Portugal would have problems scoring goals. They called up Liedson, who was just granted Portuguese citizenship last month, and he’s been a star for Sporting Lisbon. Denmark’s Soren Larsen leads the way with five goals in three matches, but he has yet to get a decent strike partner, which will hurt their soccer betting chances next summer.

Betting Edge: Portugal

Portugal vs Denmark Odds maker breakdown: Defense
Portugal has only given up four goals in six games, but three of those came against Denmark. There’s some indecision as to who will play in goal for this match, but he’ll have a stout defense in front of him. The Danes have allowed only two goals, but guess who they came against? That’s right, the Portuguese. Look for them to focus more on defense, despite being at home. They’ll have to, as their top two keepers are out via suspension and injury, which leaves third-choice Stephen Anderson to get thrown into the fire.

Betting Edge: Portugal

Portugal vs Denmark Odds maker breakdown: Coaching
Carlos Quieroz has yet to come close to the success he had as Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Manchester United, and a loss to Denmark would have the Portuguese press and fans calling for his head. Morton Olsen has been leading the Danes since 2000, and his contract is up after South Africa. After missing out in Germany and a quarterfinal run in Euro 2008, he’ll want to end his career on a high note.

Betting Edge: Denmark

Portugal vs Denmark Odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Portugal is fine for injury, much better off than Denmark, whose keeper situation has been decimated by injuries to Thomas Sorenson and Jesper Christiansen. This should force Denmark to hold back a bit going forward, and could be the main reason they’re the underdogs in your sports betting book.

Betting Edge: Portugal

Portugal vs Denmark betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Ronaldo missed the 3-2 thriller last September, when there were four goals scored in the final 10 minutes, three by Denmark. He was injured then, and since, he’s moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid, where he scored in his league debut. With Denmark’s injury troubles at the back, look for Ronaldo to play a free role where he can create, and with what’s at stake, he’ll prove why he was last year’s World Player of the Year.

TODD’S PICK: Portugal

For more odds, props and matchups as we head towards the World Cup in 2010, visit the offshore sportsbook at betonline.com.

Are you a fan of “The Beautiful Game”? Then you should try Todd Shale's “Beautiful Picks”. Though he enjoys a good rugby match, Todd is happiest when he can handicap a great soccer match - or football match, as he prefers to call it. Thoughts or questions?