Portugal VS Argentina Match Prediction

The head-to-head record between Portugal and Argentina does not give us a lot of pointers here, as the only two meetings played in recent years have resulted in one win each. Argentina came out on top with a 2-1 victory over Portugal when they met in a 2011 friendly, but three years later the Portuguese claimed revenge for that defeat with a 1-0 win of their own.

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Portugal v Argentina: Prediction

Argentina have been made the favourites by the bookmakers but both of these teams look strong and it would be no surprise if they were each to feature in the knockout rounds of the Olympics.

Portugal's unlikely success at Euro 2016 should act as inspiration for their U23 team, but Argentina have a very strong attack and that could prove to be the difference in this match.

Portugal v Argentina: Betting Tips

The favourites Argentina can be backed at a price of 23/20 to get their Olympic Games off to a winning start, with outsiders Portugal offered at 21/10 to cause what would be a small upset. Those seeking value may be tempted by the 2/1 on offer on the draw, while Argentina to win with both teams to score is a very appealing 9/2 for this game. Over 2.5 goals to be scored in the match also stands out at a price of 13/10, while both teams to score looks good at evens too.
 

Confidence is high in the Portugal camp after the senior squad claimed unlikely glory at Euro 2016 earlier in the summer, with the U23 team believing they can follow up that success with a gold medal in Brazil. Andre, Salvador and Sergio Oliveira are the overage players in their squad.

Other familiar faces who are likely to be involved include the Liverpool centre-back Tiago Ilori, as well as young Manchester United goalkeeper Joel Pereira, who is predicted to be given the gloves ahead of Bruno Varela of Real Valladolid.

Portugal likely XI:

Pereira, Henrique, Pite, Ilori, Figueiredo, Andre, Tomas, Oliveira, Salvador, Paciencia, Mane.

The Argentinian FA may be in disarray after the resignation of senior team coach Gerardo Martino and the international retirement of captain Lionel Messi, but they have a strong squad in place at the Olympic Games in Brazil.

Geronimo Rulli is the key overage player in the squad, with the goalkeeper joining Manchester City this summer, while Jonathan Calleri, Angel Correa and Cristian Espinoza make up a fearsome front line for Argentina.

Argentina likely XI:

Rulli, Cuesta, Vega, Soto, Giannetti, Arzura, Pavon, Romero, Calleri, Correa, Espinoza.

Argentina\'s attack looks very exciting, but Portugal are likely to focus on their defence for this game and that could make it a tight game. If Portugal allow Argentina room to play there should be plenty of goals and that would suit Argentina, with Portugal likely to see a draw as a fine opening result in their Olympic Games campaign. However, Argentina just look to be too strong and they are backed to take the points here.

Argentina goalkeeper Rulli was included in his country\'s preliminary squad for Copa América Centenario, but he was cut for the final selection.