Croatia v Portugal: Thomas Giles’ betting tip

Croatia have arguably been the most impressive side in the tournament so far having managed to pip Spain to first place in Group D whilst playing attractive football. They now face Spain’s neighbours Portugal who have been a major disappointment and only managed to scrape through to the knockout rounds of Euro 2016 after finishing third behind unfancied Hungary and minnows Iceland in Group F.

The Croats managed to beat the relentless Spanish side without their main playmaker Luka Modric and their striker Mario Mandzukic. They will have this influential duo back for their match against Portugal which is a huge boost to their chances.

Cristiano Ronaldo is carrying this average Portugal side through the tournament and it remains to be seen whether he can take on a proper, competitive opponent by himself rather than being his team’s get-out clause against the likes of Hungary and Iceland. I am not convinced.

I am seriously unconvinced by this Portugal side and I cannot see Ronaldo carrying them through yet another game, especially against Croatia. Although in my team preview I tipped Ante Cacic’s side to be eliminated in the first knockout round, I think they will progress here. The Croats are the favourites but only just according to the bookies so 17/10 seems good value.

Enhanced odds! To get ‘Mandzukic To Score & Croatia To Win In 90 Mins’ @ 5/1 (was 18/5) click here.

See more tips from Thomas here.