World Cup Qualifiers Israel at Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid striker, is confident that Portugal is going to be in the next World Cup, but maybe it’s not going to be as the first place of Group F.

Portugal will receive the visit of Israel this Friday, October 11th at 20:45 at Jose Alvalade Stadium. The Portuguese are in second place with 17 points hoping that Russia is surprised in one of their two remaining games away home to take the top.

“I remain convinced that we will be able to regain top spot (they lost it when Russia beat Israel last month), even if our fate isn’t entirely in our own hands,” said Real Madrid playmaker, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal struggled in the first match against Israel. One last minute goal form Fabio Coentrao avoided a big surprise in Israel and finished tying at three goals. Paulo Bento’s team only defeat in the qualifying round was in Moscow (1-0).

The home team will count this time with Coentrao and Helder Postiga because they are suspended. Bruno Alves, Joao Pereira and Raul Meireles will also be out due to injuries.

The Portuguese are favorites to win their next two games, but it’s difficult to believe that Russia is going to lose one, so they have to start thinking in going to Brazil through the playoffs.

The soccer betting odds have Portugal as 2 goal favorite in the spread; their win is listed -500 in the moneyline while an Israel triumph pays +1000; the draw is +500.