Czech Republic v Portugal - Half-Time, HT/FT, clean sheet markets
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Read the StatsOn Sport take on Group A's big one - Czech Republic v Portugal
Half-Time
Against teams ranked in the top 10, however, they are W1-D1-L4 at HT. In major tournaments since 1996, the Czechs have rarely led at HT and their draw rate is over 50% (W3-D10-L5).
Outside Portugal in competitive games since the start of qualifying for Euro 2000, Portugal have trailed at HT in just 6/39 (W17-D16-L6), including 3/21 under Luiz Felipe Scolari (W8-D10-L3). Under Scolari, Portugal are W5-D6-L3 at HT in major tournaments, and they have not scored in their last four first halves.
The solid first-half performances of both teams point to a HT draw [2.1], though a negative against the Czechs is that they often trail at HT against top 10 teams.
HT/FT
The Czech Republic's most common HT/FT result outside their homeland under Karel Bruckner is W-W (10/26), followed by D-W (six), and they are unbeaten in 19 when not losing at HT (all four defeats outside their homeland have been L-L). In major tournaments since 1996, their most common outcome has been D-W (5/18).
In 21 games outside Portugal under Scolari, Portugal's most common HT/FT outcome has been W-W (seven), followed by D-D (five). They have won on all five occasions when they have led at HT in major tournaments under Scolari, but have won only three of the nine games in which they were not ahead (three times out of six turning a HT draw into D-W).
A HT lead could be important for Portugal, given the Czechs' solid figures when not trailing at the break, and those prepared to trust Scolari's men at odds-on should consider the Portugal W-W [3.3] for better odds.
Czech Republic clean sheet
Under Karel Bruckner, the Czech Republic have kept a clean sheet in 15/26 competitive games outside their homeland, though only 1/6 against teams ranked in the top 10 (that was their questionable 3-0 win in Germany late in qualifying for this tournament). In major tournaments since 1996, they have kept a clean sheet in 7/18, though four have been in their last six games.
Portugal have failed to score in only 4/39 competitive games outside their homeland since the start of Euro 2000 qualifying, scoring in 18/21 under Scolari. They have scored in 11/14 at major tournaments under Scolari.
Shutting out Portugal looks difficult for the Czechs, but that is reflected in the odds for them not to keep a clean sheet [1.32].
Portugal clean sheet
Portugal have kept a clean sheet in 17/39 outside Portugal in competitive games since the start of qualifying for Euro 2000, including 10/21 under Luiz Felipe Scolari. Under Scolari, they have kept a clean sheet in 7/14 games at major tournaments, including five of the last eight.
Under Karel Bruckner, the Czech Republic have scored in 20/26 competitive games outside their homeland, including 4/6 against teams ranked in the top 10.
Portugal have better prospects of keeping a clean sheet, though there is only marginal value in their odds [2.18] and in any case the Czechs have a good scoring record even against top-class teams.
About the SOS Rankings
SOS consider FIFA's rankings unreliable, as they are based upon criteria clearly weighted to favour countries playing in weaker regional areas. SOS have therefore developed their own system of international football rankings, to give a more accurate guide of teams' relative strengths - and provide a more valid basis for their analysis.
The SOS rankings are based on a sample universe of more than 25,000 international matches, are updated every month, and attach a much greater weighting to both the relative importance of matches (friendly, competitive, major tournament) - as well as the relative strength of opposition and overall match supremacy. Allowance is also made for the game venue, not just in terms of simple home, away or neutral - but also in relation to the country's home continent. Points gained decay over a period of four years, the natural cycle of international football.
For the full SOS Rankings,
click here, where you can also view previews for all matches.
All analysis, unless where noted, is based on competitive internationals since the start of the 1998 World Cup Finals.
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