France
The French have no problems whatsoever and are likely to keep with the same team that expertly dispatched the Spanish and the Brazilians.
Zinedine Zidane was in uncompromising mood that day and everything that was positive went through him. This was particularly the case in the first half, which the French dominated, without really troubling Brazilian goalkeeper Dida. The link-up play was some of the best that has been seen in the tournament so far and if this fluidity can be repeated against Portugal then the French must be favoured.
The major breakthrough came with the understanding forged between Zidane and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry. Often accused of not reading each other, everything clicked on Saturday, the confident midfielder inspiring confidence in his striker. If Zidane plays like a man ten years younger again then Portugal have no chance and must try and stop him at all costs.
Henry has had a fair share of criticism directed his way too. Many in France believe that he has not shown his club form whilst wearing a French shirt, with some calling for him to be dropped after a poor performance in the Group Stages.
He is however on a role now, and with three goals to his name in this World Cup, represents a good outside bet for the Golden Boot. The most important thing however, like with all strikers, is that he has a belief now and because of this he looks sharp. A goalscoring record of thirty-six goals in eighty-three appearances speaks for itself and he is clearly favoured by France coach Raymond Domenech as he has only missed five minutes of France's World Cup so far.
Domenech will play the same 4-5-1 formation that saw them through their last two games, with Henry operating as a lone striker. However this could present problems if Francisco Costinha does a successful marking job on Zidane.
Enter the form man of the tournament - Franck Ribery. One of only two uncapped players called into the squad by Domenech, he has performed admirably so far and has earned his fourth successive start. His major asset is pace and a confidence that only enhances his skill on the ball. With one goal and one assist to his credit he is a significant threat and one the Portuguese must monitor as he can cause them serious damage. In focussing too much on Zidane, they could let Ribery and Vieria have a more dictating role on the game and they could shoot themselves in the foot.
France's strength in depth is highlighted here. In playing Henry, Zidane and Ribery - three players on top form - they must allow the likes of David Trezeguet, Sylvain Wiltord, Mikael Silvestre and Louis Saha to sit on the bench. Domenech can therefore change his style, system or personnell at any time and not weaken his team at all. This is a necessity for World Champions and the way they dismissed Brazil on Saturday night, few would argue against them having the class to become Champions again.
Behind every good attack lies a strong defence. Barthez, although erratic, is a quality and generally reliable goalkeeper and one that engenders confidence in the defenders playing in front of him. He will also be hoping for a clean sheet in the game that will make him become France's most capped player at the World Cup with sixteen appearances.
As for the defence themselves - well facts like two goals conceded so far and Barthez only having eight shots to save throughout the whole tournament suggest that the Portuguese are going to have their work cut out to score.
The key to this however has not been in defence but in the midfield. Vieria and Claude Makelele have, like Zidane and Henry, discovered a new-found understanding that has blighted their international careers to date. Suddenly the defensive aspect of the midfield appears to be on the same wavelength and this only makes them tighter. It is this covering offered by the two that has been the cornerstone to France's solid defence.
FRANCE v PORTUGAL INDEX INCULDING THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS PREVIEW
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PORTUGAL v FRANCE - ANOTHER CLASSIC NO-LOSE BET
For yesterday's Germany v Italy arbitrage preview, we guaranteed you a withdrawable cash profit, whatever the outcome of the match and it worked like a dream.
The maximum profit was realised with the draw at ninety minutes and the intention was to repeat the formula today, however, the bet was so good that one of the bookies got on our case and asked us to pull it or they would stop doing business with us.
We take a very dim view of that action and in no way will it stop us doing arbitrage as this site was set up to advise our readers how to profit from the bookies. If they don't like it, they are in the wrong business.
So here's our France v Portugal arbitrage preview and it's a little bit different as we only need to back two possible outcomes to guarantee a withdrawable cash profit, whatever the outcome of the match.
The whole system hinges on the bonuses that you get from our two chosen bookies so you can't do this if you already have an account at either firm. If that is the case, let us know and we'll try to find you an alternative bookie.
Here we go then. Follow these simple instructions for a guaranteed cash profit on France v Portugal.
1. Open Your New Accounts
Open an account with
Open an account with Extrabet
You have temporarily laid out a total of £137. I stress temporarily...
2. Place Your Bets
Back Portugal to qualify at 11/4 with £37 with
Make sure you back them to qualify and not to win in ninety minutes. Portugal v France is on the front page of the site. On the right there is a button called 'More Bets'. Hover over it and a pop up will appear. The first link is the one we want, 'to qualify'.
Back France @ 1/2 with £100 Extrabet
Again, make sure you back them to qualify and not to win in ninety minutes. Go to 'Football' (top left hand link) and hit 'To Reach Final' (second link under World Cup).
3. Collect Your Winnings
If Portugal qualify for the final, you will collect £138.75 from
If France qualify for the final, you will collect £150 from Extrabet
As you will have noticed, you will make a profit on the match, whoever qualifies but here comes the best bit...
4. Collect Your Bonuses
If Portugal qualify for the final you will collect an extra £100 bonus from
If France qualify for the final win, you will collect an extra £12.50 bonus from Extrabet
5. The Summary
You are about to lay out £137 for the duration of the match and at the final whistle you will end up with a profit of either £1.75 or £13.
You will then collect a bonus of either £100 or £12.50 making the very worst case scenario a £25.50 cash profit on the whole deal, if France make it to the final.
However, if Portugal prevail you will make a clear £101.75 profit.
There are no free bets involved in this bet. Everything that you make will be clear cash profit and is withdrawable as soon as it hits your account.
Too good to be true? Well here's the catch for you. If you follow the instructions to the letter and it doesn't happen like we say it will, then we will refund any losses that you make. No strings, no catches, just a straight refund of your losses if you don't make what we say you will make.
As with any offer, there are obviously terms and conditions attached, available on the relevant sites. There is nothing unusual about the t's & c's from our chosen three companies but you should have a read anyway.
If you already have one or more accounts with our chosen bookies, you won't be able to qualify for the bonuses, which is what this whole thing hinges on. But don't worry. Just drop us a quick email and we will try to find you an alternative bookie.
Finally, the odds can change and even though this is rare, you should check them before placing your bets.
Don't forget that if this doesn't work for you, we will refund any losses that you make, provided that you follow the instructions to the letter and are not already an existing account holder at either of the bookies that we have chosen.
Please feel free to mail us with any questions that you may have. We'll get back to you well before the match.
Steve Goldby
NB: YOU MUST CLICK ON THE BANNERS OR LINKS ON THIS PAGE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE REFUND GUARANTEE.
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