Portugal v North Korea, Monday 21st June, 12.30pm
Before the start of the World Cup, we might have expected this clash at Greenpoint Stadium to be a one-sided affair, although perhaps we have to revise our opinion after the People’s Republic of Korea produced an impressive performance when losing 2-1 against Brazil. Jong-Hun Kim’s team will draw plenty of confidence from Tuesday night’s match and they are 4/1 (Ladbrokes) to hold Portugal and pick up an unlikely point.
There was especially a lot to like about the way that Tae-Se Jong played in attack, with the emotional striker available at 10/1 (Bet Fred) to get the better of Bruno Alves and Ricardo Carvalho by scoring the first goal. However, it was Yun-Nam Ji’s cool finish that earned the team consolation goal and he’s 14/1 (Paddy Power) to break the deadlock.
Portugal know that they can ill-afford any slip-ups in Cape Town after a goalless draw with Ivory Coast, especially as they play Brazil in their last match. Carlos Queiroz’s team are no bigger than 4/11 (bet365) to win this match and leave the team probably needing a draw against their final group opponents to claim a place in the last sixteen. Indeed, some might be surprised to see William Hill offering 11/10 that the Iberian side win to nil, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo likely to make life difficult for the defence.
The Real Madrid star hit the woodwork against the Ivory Coast and he’s the 10/3 favourite (William Hill) to open the scoring, whether it’s from a free kick, penalty or open play. Striker Liedson (4/1 Boylesports) will be leading the line once again, although a slender 1-0 (6/1 Ladbrokes) or 2-0 victory (5/1 Victor Chandler) could be worth taking, especially after the way that North Korea stood up to Brazil.