_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
One of the most fancied European sides to succeed in Qatar begin their World Cup campaign on Thursday as Portugal face Ghana, the lowest ranked team the competition.
Fernando Santos boasts an exceptionally talented squad at his disposal and the 2016 European champions are expected to have a comfortable opening game against the side sitting at number 61 in the latest FIFA world rankings.
Portugal vs Ghana latest odds
The Portuguese are massive favourites to record a victory, priced at 2/5 (1.40) with bet365 while Ghana are available at 15/2 (8.50) to pull off what would be a massive upset.
Group H looks like providing a competitive set of matches with Uruguay and South Korea the other teams, and a draw would make things interesting.
A stalemate can be backed at 15/4 (4.75).
Portugal vs Ghana first goal scorer odds
Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines this week after his departure from Manchester United and the 37-year-old is the favourite to open the scoring at 3/1 (4.00).
Elsewhere his former Old Trafford team-mate Bruno Fernandes is offered at 13/2 (7.50) while Bernardo Silva can be backed at 8/1 (9.00).
For Ghana the shortest priced player to break the deadlock is former Swansea City and West Ham striker Andre Ayew at 12/1 (13.00).
Portugal vs Ghana preview
The staggering array of talented players in the Portuguese squad means they are among the favourites to lift the World Cup, although question marks remain over their manager's approach.
Fernando Santos seems to prefer a more solid setup which does not necessarily get the best out of his brilliant attacking players, although there seems little doubt that the winners of Euro 2016 should be able to kick off their World Cup campaign with a win.
Five of Portugal's last seven competitive fixtures have seen less than three goals and backing a repeat on Thursday could be of interest.
Portugal vs Ghana tips and predictions
Under 2.5 goals is offered at 10/11 (1.91) which looks like a healthy price, while combining this with a Portuguese victory seems the odds jump to 11/5 (3.20).
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
