Portugal
Portugal head to another world cup competition as one of the favourites to lift the trophy and with such a talented squad they should go deep into the tournament but we have seen them so often flatter-to-decieve.
Despite having some of the best players in the world over the last 30 years the best finish at a world cup is still the third place finish they had in 1966 in England.
They finished fourth in 2006 and in 2022 they were knocked out 1-0 by surprise semi finalists Morocco when the run to the final looked simple.
Roberto Martinez has reportedly told his players he will be stepping down as coach after this tournament so will that give them even greater motivation ? They should be confident of topping Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan & DR Congo their opposition.
They will begin the campaign in decent form having beaten Chile 2-1 and Nigeria 2-1 in home friendlies before they travelled over to North America.
Injuries & Team News
One thing this Portugal team will not lack is experience, not many teams at this world cup can match the caps total of this squad.
A back four of Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio & Nuno Mendes have over 250 caps between them.
Martinez has a healthy squad for the opener in Houston so the midfield will consist of Joao Neves and his PSG team mate Vitinha alongside Bernardo Silva.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to add to his 143 International goals and he will be supported in attack by Bruno Fernandes & Pedro Neto of Chelsea.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-1 vs Nigeria |
L W D W W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Portugal (4-3-3)
D Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto
DR Congo
The Leopards managed to qualify for their first World Cup in 52 years when Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off final in Mexico back in March.
Congo DR reached the last-16 stage of the recent Africa Cup of Nations, and they have won two of their last four matches, only suffering one defeat in the process.
The expanded World Cup has certainly given Sebastien Desabre’s team a better chance of reaching the knockout round of the competition, with one victory in the section potentially being enough to qualify in third spot.
Portugal will represent Congo DR’s toughest test in Group K, and their match against Uzbekistan on June 27 could be crucial when it comes to their chances of advancing.
Injuries & Team News
There will be plenty of familiar faces in the DR Congo team that takes on Portugal in Houston with former Man Utd players Aaron Wan-Bissaka & Axel Tuanzebe both starting in defence along with former West Ham left back Arthur Masuaku.
Ex Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba will start in a defensive role whilst Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki will start in midfield.
The front two will provide a threat for all all the teams in Group K with Yoan Wissa of Newcastle Utd likely to partner Real Betis forward Cedric Bakambu.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-2 vs Chile | W L W W D L |
Predicted Line-Up
DR Congo (4-4-1-1)
Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, Bakambu
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal Win | 1/4 (1.25) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 9/2 (5.50) | Dream Vegas |
| DR Congo Win | 10/1 (11.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Portugal 2-0 DR Congo
This could be a tricky opener for Portugal and it’s always hard to be confident backing them especially as they have flattered to deceive so often but i believe they will have to much for this DR Congo outfit