Portugal vs Netherlands Prediction & Betting Tips - International Friendlies

Prediction published on 24/03/2018, 11:36  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 27/03/2018 at 03:28 in Football Predictions

Portugal have had a few problems in friendlies, most notably a defeat by the Cape Verde Islands in 2015. They lost at home to Sweden last year and nearly suffered another defeat on Friday against Egypt. They trailed 1-0 to a Mo Salah goal before two from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 92nd and 94th minutes gave them the win. The odds on them winning must have been pretty high before that amazing Ronaldo double. Now they host the Netherlands who had a bad night on Friday losing 1-0 at home to England.

The Portuguese side are unbeaten in their last eight games since a loss on penalties to Chile in the Confederations Cup. They had a battle on their hands to finish top of their World Cup qualifying group, but eventually pipped Switzerland and won their last nine games by an aggregate score of 32-2. They won all five of their home games in that group by a total score of 20-2 and have won 12 of their last 14 home games with just one loss.

The Netherlands put in a disappointing performance against England on Friday and Ronald Koeman might be in a bit of trouble if his side were to lose this game too. They have won four of their last five away games but often struggle against top sides as shown when losing to France and Bulgaria.  The last eight away friendlies have been played without defeat but they haven't had to come up against Cristiano Ronaldo in any of those games. Go for Portugal to get the home win in this game.