PORTUGAL vs BRAZIL >>> Match Preview

PORTUGAL & BRAZIL TO CLASH FOR TOP SPOT

Neither Brazil nor Portugal have tasted defeat in the year 2010: Dunga’s team have won five of five games, while the Lusitanians have won four and drawn two of their six encounters. In addition, A Seleção are enjoying a run of eight consecutive wins while their upcoming opponents are unbeaten in 18. Perhaps tellingly, Portugal’s last reverse was a 6-2 humbling by Brazil on 19 November 2008.

It is something of a shame that the standout game of the entire group stage will be devoid of real tension due to the comfortable situation both sides find themselves in, but Brazil and Portugal are still competing for top spot in Group G whose opponent in the next knockout phase will be from Group H 2nd qualifier where 3 candidates are still fighting it out to avoid Brazil, naturally.

Portugal player to watch: Liedson
The striker was relegated to the bench for the 7-0 drubbing of North Korea but scored after his emergence in the second half. Doing so again on Friday would be special indeed for a player who was born and grew up in Brazil and has only represented Portugal for 12 months. Liedson, like team-mates Deco and Pepe, has been warmly welcomed by his adopted nation but will not sing the Portuguese anthem on Friday as a mark of respect for Brazil.

Brazil player to watch: Lucio

With Cristiano Ronaldo back in goalscoring form, Brazil's captain may have to be at his commanding best to repel the Real Madrid forward. Lucio is the cornerstone of a Brazil side that, under Dunga, has a reputation for favouring solidity over style. That may be somewhat misleading as Brazil still possess greater flair than the majority of teams at the finals, but there is no doubt that in Lucio they have a player well versed in the destructive arts. Athletic, alert and inspirational, the Inter defender is an elite player.

Key battle: Fabio Coentra v Dani Alves
The tussle between these two dynamic wide men will be a real spectacle on Friday. Coentrao is a winger turned full-back who was vastly impressive in Portugal's win over North Korea, linking up with Ronaldo to devastating effect and providing first-class delivery from wide on the left.
Alves, meanwhile, is the Ringo Starr of the Brazil squad. Is he the best right-back in the world?
No, he isn't even the best right-back in the seleção. But with Maicon settled at the back and Elano struggling with injury, the Barcelona star will be pressed into action in an advanced role on the right. Both players possess pace and skill in abundance. Sparks will fly.

Prediction:
Brazil will be inhibited by the loss of Kaka but marry pragmatism with imagination and are a formidable side. Expect them to fend off Portugal and take top spot.

THE PICK

ASIAN HADICAP ODDS
Take BRAZIL give 1/4 Odds >>> PORTUGAL (Main Bet)

FIXED ODDS
Take BRAZIL WIN no Hcp (Main Bet)

Odds Centre >>> http://www.asianbookie.com/