After seeing Messi score a hat-trick and both Mbappe and Haaland grab braces yesterday, there is one man who will be desperate to make headlines today…Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo as strong favourites, and I think this is the perfect opportunity for Selecao das Quinas to start with a convincing win.
Here’s my 34.00 Bet Builder.
My Portugal vs DR Congo Bet Builder (34.00)
- Portugal to win
- Cristiano Ronaldo anytime goalscorer
- Cristiano Ronaldo 4+ shots
- Bruno Fernandes 1+ assist
- Cedric Bakambu 1+ shot on target
- Noah Sadiki card
Portugal to Win
This is the foundation of the builder.
Portugal are unbeaten in their last three friendlies, beating the USA, Chile and Nigeria, while DR Congo needed an intercontinental play-off to reach the tournament.
The Congolese have some talented players, but Portugal’s elite midfield and attacking quality should eventually prove too much.
Cristiano Ronaldo Anytime Goalscorer
I know Ronaldo hasn’t scored in his last four Portugal appearances, but that doesn’t worry me.
Before that run, he scored 13 goals in 12 international matches, including in the Nations League final against Spain. He also knows exactly what is at stake tonight.
If he scores, he becomes the first player in history to score at six different World Cups. After seeing Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all make headlines yesterday, I fully expect Ronaldo to come out looking to make his own statement.
Cristiano Ronaldo 4+ Shots
This is the selection I feel strongest about.
Everything Portugal do in the final third still tends to end with Ronaldo. He takes penalties, free-kicks, and remains the focal point of the attack.
He registered 60 shots on target in 30 Saudi Pro League starts and has produced 13 shots on target across his last 13 Portugal appearances.
Even if he doesn’t score early, he’ll keep shooting.
Bruno Fernandes 1+ Assist
Bruno is coming off another incredible season.
He broke the Premier League assist record, added goals regularly, and continues to create chances at an elite level. He also scored a hat-trick against Armenia and found the net against Chile in Portugal’s final warm-up games.
Most importantly for this bet, Bruno rarely comes off. If Portugal are chasing another goal late on, he’ll still be on the pitch supplying chances.
Cedric Bakambu 1+ Shot On Target
I don’t expect DR Congo to dominate possession, but I do think they’ll create moments.
Bakambu has recorded a shot on target in each of his last five matches. He also registered nine shots on target in just five La Liga starts and has four shots on target in his last three international appearances.
He’s their main goal threat and only needs one effort on target to land this leg.
Noah Sadiki Card
Sadiki is going to have a long evening trying to stop Portugal’s midfield.
The Sunderland midfielder picked up nine yellow cards in 33 appearances last season, the joint-most in his team, and averaged a foul per game in the Premier League.
Against players like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva, he’ll spend plenty of time chasing the ball. If Portugal control possession as expected, a booking looks very possible.
Bet On Sofia’s Bet Builder
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You can build this 34.00 Bet Builder on Bet9ja and follow Portugal’s opening World Cup match with Bet Builder markets, player props, cards, assists and live betting available throughout the game.
