Matchday 2 sees Portugal take on Morocco with both teams in desperate need of points. Portugal managed just one in their opener with Cristiano Ronaldo contributing a heroic hat-trick performance to draw Spain and the Moroccans, who lost 1-0, were devastated by a late own goal after largely dominating their fixture against Iran.
The Navigators are -150 moneyline favorites at Sportsbook with the Atlas Lions of Morocco coming back as +475 underdogs and the draw sitting at +270. Totals bettors will have to lay -150 chalk if they like UNDER 2.5 but if Matchday 1 was any indication, Ronaldo could get these teams OVER that total all by himself.
- Portugal had just 36% possession and 3 shots on target against Spain.
- An own goal to be scored at any time in this match is paying +1400.
- The UNDER is 8-4-1 through the first 13 matches of the 2018 World Cup.
Ronaldo or Bust
Dominated in possession by Spain and outclassed for the majority of the contest, the Portuguese had no business earning a point in their first match but Cristiano dragged them across the line with a free kick golazo in the dying embers. He’s now the favorite to take home the Golden Boot.
Their quality as a team will likely shine through a bit more vs Morocco but my gut is telling me that the Red and Green revert to the anti-footballing tactics that saw them win Euro 2016. Morocco needs points here and they’ll have to attack. Because of that, I expect Portugal to sit back and counter with Ronaldo when given the opportunity.
Can Morocco win this game?
Certainly. They were the much better side against Iran and were hugely unlucky not to score in the first half. The second 45, however, devolved into a dive fest and is widely regarded as the worst half of football played at this World Cup.
The Moroccans have quality and if Portugal plays how I’m anticipating, all it will take for the Atlas Lions to grab three points is a lucky long-range effort or a bad tackle in the box.
Best bets for Portugal vs Morocco
I’m already on record on the OddsShark FC podcast with UNDER 2.5 for this fixture so I’ll book that at -150 but I also like Portugal to win nil.
Ronaldo is also +1200 to score a hat trick – just saying.
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