USA vs. Portugal betting odds preview, World Cup prediction

USA vs. Portugal betting features some of the heaviest sportsbook action of the World Cup. The odds do not favor the Americans in Group G.

While Cristiano Ronaldo is not 100% and his Portugal squad was beaten 4-0 by Germany in their group opener the superstar will not be denied against the Americans.

The USA won their opener facing Ghana 2-1, where they were not overly impressive needing a late goal to secure three points.

Portugal played in the Group of Death in 2010 and advanced and to do so this time around they really need to beat the USA.

Oddsmakers think that will happen with shops pricing them as the World Cup betting favorite in the match posted at -125 with the USA at +375 and a draw line at +280.

Not only is Ronaldo banged up with knee issues, but another key player in DF Pepe is out for this match since he had a red card in the loss to Germany.

Clint Dempsey, who scored in the first 32 seconds in the Ghana match, is the key striker for the USA in this match, especially since Jozy Altidore is out with a hamstring injury.

Michael Bradley leads the USA midfield and he had a good match opener, but overall the Americans did not have a great passing match. They cannot get away with that again facing Portugal, who has a solid midfield.

The USA will really have to look for the counter-attack facing Portugal, who will be attacking from the opening whistle.

Obviously it was an advantage for the Americans to get the early goal in the Ghana match, but after they scored they played a defensive match and did not have much of an attack.

They cannot play like that again against Portugal and Dempsey and Bradley must pressure the Portugal defense that gave up four goals against Germany.

Portugal is too good of a squad to be held scoreless for two straight matches and Ronaldo will score at least once and his squad will win. This will put them back in the group fight while it hurts the American's chances since they face Germany in the last group match.

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