Should You Bet on Portugal to Beat France in the Euro 2016 Final?

France are the favourites to win Euro 2016 but is there a reason to bet on Portugal?

If you want to bet on sports in the EU, there aren’t many more exciting days than the final of the Euros. On Sunday night, outsiders Portugal take on hosts France, with the French team expected to triumph according to online sportsbooks. Bet365 have France at 4/9 to win the trophy, with Portugal out at 15/8. The bookies seems to think extra time is rather likely, with France 21/20 to win within 90 minutes, with Portugal out at 7/2.

Bet on Portugal v France at Bet365

• France to win @ 4/9
• Portugal to win @ 15/8

France won the Euros when they hosted in 1984, and memorably also won the World Cup they hosted in 1998. This may lead to feeling that France will certainly win, but it does add a great deal of pressure. Despite being quite lucky to progress against Germany, they will not be expected to be troubled by Portugal. If Portugal were to score, it could pile the pressure on France. And, as they showed against Croatia and Poland, Portugal are experts are getting through without even playing that well.

Should you bet on Portugal because of Cristiano Ronaldo?

While France could crumble under pressure, for Portugal to have any chance they need Cristiano Ronaldo to perform well. He played when Portugal lost to Greece in the 2004 final, and will de desperate for redemption. Especially as Messi has lost in several finals for Argentina, and now claims he’ll no longer play for the national team, Ronaldo would surely get a thrill if he could lead Portugal to international glory.

He certainly has the talent, even if an increasing number of his goals rely on heading prowess rather than the outrageous skill and searing pace he used to display. You would certainly bet on him to score. However, in this tournament he has been thoroughly outshone by French talisman Antoine Griezmann. The French forward has scored six, three more than anyone else in the competition.

Bet on Man of the Match at BetVictor

• Griezmann @ 4/1
• Ronaldo @ 5/1
• Payet @ 6/1
• Pogba @ 6/1
• Sanches @ 14/1

Luckily for Griezmann, his team don’t just rely on him. They also have Dimitir Payet, the plamaker who lit up the beginning of the tournament. It could also be a big night for Paul Pogba, who has impressed so far but not stolen the show. He could be this year’s Zidane, who at the World Cup in 1998 saved his best performance for the final, ensuring he was remembered as the star of the tournament.

Portugal do have other stars, with 18 year-old Renato Sanches impressing, and fully justifying the fee that Bayern Munich recently spent on him; however, he may not be ready to dominate a major international final. Likewise, Portuguese attackers Nani and Quaresma have made important contributions in the tournament so far, but might struggle against a superior team.

Do tactics make a bet on Portugal more attractive?

While it’s undeniable that France have more star quality that Portugal, it’s likely that Portugal will set up defensively, hoping to make the game less open. Unlike Germany, the Portuguese won’t have ambitions to dominate the game; instead, they’ll hope to defend well and grab a goal on the break or from a set piece. Ironically, Portugal will hope to grab a goal against the run of play, like Greece did to them in 2004!

While France should be able to break Portugal down, the pressure of the crowd and occasion could panic them. France have a young team, while Portugal are very experienced; if things don’t go France’s way at the start, the Iberians may capitalise. If you bet on sports in Portugal then there’s definitely enough reason to have faith in your team, and for neutrals a bet on Portugal is still probably the better value at these odds. However, anything could happen!