Portugal meets Austria in a Group F match of the Euro 2016 at Parc des Princes in Paris. Both the teams seek fresh ignition to their Euro campaign after a disappointing opening fixture. Austria, who had a stellar qualifying round, lost 2-0 to Hungary in the first match. Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by unfancied Iceland. Both the teams need a win to boost their flagging self-confidence. Portugal is the bookies’ favourites – may be because of the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The team, as a whole, did not do anything so far in the tournament to merit such a billing. That is why bet365’s odds of 15/4 for an Austria win requires close attention.

Portugal

Portugal drew the match against Iceland, but they lost the hearts after some unsporting comments about the performance of Iceland. Now they have to let their boots talk in this game. It would do a world of good to the cause of the team if Ronaldo produces a match-winning effort. Here is a chilling stat. Ronaldo has taken 34 free kicks in World Cups and Euro Cups combined. None of them have been goals. You would tend to think that had somebody else taken it, at least a couple of them would have gone in.

Nani, Joao Mario, Andre Gomes and one of Ricardo Quarema and Renato Sanches should shoulder the burden of attack along with CR7. Austria had an off-day against Hungary. But their defence is strong and hard-working. Portugal will find Austrian defence as tough a nut to crack as Iceland, if not tougher.

Austria

Austria’s well-oiled football machine had some mechanical and logical faults in the opening fixture against Hungary. Coach Marcel Koeller has to fix the issues and reload it again. “It's the little things that decide games at this level, and you have to do these little things better than your opponents”, he said. May be he meant little things like scoring a goal and closely marking the opposition strikers.

Austria will be without suspended defender Aleksandar Dragović and injured midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic. Sebastian Prödl is likely to replace Dragović. The defence, also comprising Christian Fuchs and Martin Hinteregger, is still strong. The team will be looking for a dominating performance from midfielders David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic and striker Marc Janko.

Portugal - Austria match facts

• The head to head record between these teams is even at 2-2. It is better to ignore that stat because the last time these two teams met was in 1996.
• Austria has conceded goals in all of their previous six matches including friendlies.
• Ronaldo is set to become the most capped Portuguese player, surpassing Luis Figo.

Portugal v Austria betting tips

Both the teams may adopt an aggressive strategy. An early goal for Portugal could lead to an open match and a possible goal fest. Portugal has a slight advantage.

Portugal to win 1.90 @ bet365