Portugal vs. Poland Betting Odds Preview, Euro 2016 Quarterfinal Prediction

A pair of teams that scored just one goal apiece in regulation time during the Euro 2016 round of 16 will meet in the tournament's first quarterfinal matchup Thursday as Poland plays Portugal in Marseille, France.

The Poles are listed as +295 underdogs (bet $100 to win $295) on the three-way line at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. They outscored Switzerland 5-4 on penalty kicks to decide a 1-1 deadlock. The favored Portuguese edged Croatia 1-0 after extra time in their last game.

Match Odds: Portugal +132, Poland +295, Draw +198 (Matchup Report)

Poland’s lack of scoring in the Euro 2016 tournament could ultimately keep the team from advancing to the semifinals in this matchup with Portugal. Then again, the defense of the Poles could end up being the difference, because the Portuguese could find it extremely difficult to score enough to win themselves.

These are two of the lowest-scoring teams of the eight remaining in the quarters, with Poland tallying only three goals combined through the first four games. Portugal has not been much better, scoring five goals overall, and more than half of those came in a 3-3 tie with the Hungarians to close out Group F play.

The Portuguese qualified for the round of 16 despite placing third in Group F with three draws. Their defense has been outstanding outside of the match against Hungary, allowing only one goal in the other three games combined. That came in a 1-1 draw with Iceland in their group opener, which looks a lot better now that Iceland went on to upset England 2-1 to reach the quarters.

The Poles finished second in Group C, totaling the same number of points (seven) as first-placed Germany but falling short on goal difference (3-2) to lose the tiebreaker. Poland earned 1-0 wins over Northern Ireland and Ukraine and tied the Germans 0-0 in group play before eliminating the Swiss this past Saturday.

The Poles have surrendered only one goal in regulation time so far, and that came against Switzerland in the 82nd minute. Fortunately, their goalscorers were spot-on in the shootout and did not miss in converting on all five of their shot attempts.

The key here for both teams is obvious: score a goal and continue to play well defensively. For Portugal, that seems like an easier task, considering their attack is led by Cristiano Ronaldo. The previous two meetings each ended in draws, and it would not be surprising to see this one go to penalty kicks scoreless either.

But the Portuguese, at +650 on the odds to win Euro 2016, should prevail in another low-scoring affair.

Portugal vs. Poland Prediction: 1-0 Portugal

All betting-line data courtesy of Odds Shark. Check out the latest Euro 2016 news.