Euro 2008 - Portugal v Turkey

Portugal are coming into this game full of confidence with Cristiano Ronaldo coming off a great year and hoping to close out the season with the European Championship Winners medal, but the hunt for that begins tonight.

The first game of the tournament is generally when teams look to scrape through with a point by any means and you should see a very counter-attacking game today between 2 sides, who boast good front lines, but little weary at the back.

However, the Portuguese have history on their side boasting a 6-1-1 record against the Turks. In addition with the firing line up of Ronaldo, Nani, Deco, Simao and Gomes leading the line, one would expect to see a lot of goals coming through. The main thing is for Ronaldo to turn up to the game as he has a habit of choking in these big matches. Should he be able to feel at home tonight, expect some fireworks to pass the Turks.

Nihat and Tuncay will be expected to lead the Turks up front after decent domestic seasons for their respective squads, but none has turned up at the international level yet with a stunning performance. Emre is one player that the Portguese need to watch out for as even though he is not the most deadly person on the pitch, he is known to have his ocassional flashes of brilliance or could even get sent off, and his influence on the pitch could make a difference.

Bottom line, the Portuguese have a settled lineup, and many of them have played together for years which gives them that stability and with Big Phil leading them to a second place last time around, will be keen to improve his performances.

Man To Watch out: Cristiano Ronaldo

Pick : Portugal
Odds : 1.81
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : 10bet
Match Result : 2-0
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