posted June 13, 2008 at 18:24 in Soccer Articles

The third round of soccer betting in Group A offers a straightforward match in Portugal and Switzerland; that is, it is a mere formality. Portugal is through to the quarterfinal; Co-host Switzerland is out. However, while this may appear to be a less thrilling soccer betting prospect, there are still some good online soccer odds on offer with which football betting can beat the bookie for a tidy profit. Here is a look at the soccer lines currently on offer at BetUS Sportsbook.

Soccer Betting Line:

Switzerland PK +125 +210 Over 2½ +105

Portugal PK -145 +130 Under 2½ -125

Draw +225

Alternate Soccer Odds: Spread and Total

Switzerland +½ -150 Over 2 -165

Portugal -½ +130 Under 2 +145

Switzerland (+210) For co-host Switzerland, who had high hopes coming into this finals it is a heartbreaking prospect to know they are out of the championships with one more group match to go. Even pundits expect Switzerland and not Turkey if it came down to a battle for second place to feature in a prime position to affect the order of things. Yet here they are at the end of the road. So how will they exit?

Portugal (+130) Their place in the final eight assured, expect Scolari to rest his key players and send out the reserves for a frolic on the field. He will not want to risk an injury to his key players Ronaldo, Deco and company. So it will be a significantly different team on the pitch on Sunday.

Betting Verdict: Switzerland will play for pride before a partisan crowd. What may seem like a fruitless exercise in the championships, in online betting circles holds value. Depending on what line-up Scolari sends on the pitch, Switzerland’s chances of at least grinding out the draw will move accordingly. At +225, they will be happy to settle for their first and only point of the championships. Will Portugal be so generous though is the real question? Surely, they will not want to allow a Swiss victory, for that would send an unthinkable and erroneous message to all, even going so far as hurting them in their upcoming matchups in the knockout stages if they are perceived vulnerable. A perfect record they have and will want to keep. Exclamation point.

Soccer Free Picks: I do not expect vulnerability from them no matter what line-up Scolari settles on. Switzerland may be lucky to get the draw, but even that seems unlikely to go down well with Portugal’s ambitions. There is nothing for it— Portugal should win. Best bet for soccer bettors is to find the spread and total odds with the best value. Under 2 at +145 on the alternate line or Over 2.5 at +105 sound good to me. Maybe wait to find out what line-up Scolari settles on.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room.