Euro 2012 Opta Stats: Dutch campaign to end in misery

Portugal have won both clashes with the Oranje in major tournaments, winning 1-0 at the 2006 World Cup and 2-1 at Euro 2004
The Netherlands need a two-goal victory to even stand a chance of progressing following defeats to Denmark and Germany, but their record against Portugal fails to inspire confidence. The World Cup finalists have won only one of their last ten meetings and lost the last two to take place at tournaments.

The Dutch have failed to score in six of their 10 meetings with Portugal
A lack of composure in front of goal has been the downfall of Bert van Marwijk's side, with Opta revealing that they have actually had more shots than any other team in Group B - a massive 46 - and only fashioned those chances into one successful strike. So carrying that form into a fixture in which they traditionally misfire is a worrying combination.

The meeting between the sides at the 2006 World Cup holds the record for most red cards (four) shown in any game at the World Cup or European Championship
Given that the Netherlands have been accused, even from within their own camp by Wesley Sneijder, of a self-destructive streak, it won't be a huge surprise if they disgrace themselves on their way out of the competition. There was a lot of anger on display in the latest loss to Germany, with Arjen Robben's long walk off when subbed perceived to have been a show of dissent.

In both games at Euro 2012, the Dutch have conceded the opening goal in the 24th minute
And, holy coincidence Batman, the opening goal in Portugal's last match against Denmark, scored by Pepe, came in the exact same minute. As of Friday morning, only one game outside of Group B has featured a deadlock-breaker between 21-30 minutes, however three of the four in Group B have come in that period.

Recommended Bets:
Back Portugal to win @ 2.8815/8
Back Portugal to keep a clean sheet @ 4.47/2
Back there to be a sending off @ 3.7511/4
Back the first goal to fall between 21-30 minutes @ 5.49/2

Click here to read more Opta stats on this encounter