Portugal and Israel will face off in a pivotal World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Both teams are vying for the top spot in Group F, but are in danger of missing out. Portugal is the current incumbent of second place with 17 points in eight matches; Russia leads the Seleçao by one point with 18 in the same amount of games. Meanwhile, Israel only has 12 points and would be eliminated from contention with a Portuguese victory or a draw.
Portugal could still win the group but no longer has control over its own destiny. The Portuguese lost 1-0 against Russia earlier in the tournament and lost points against Israel and Northern Ireland; while Israel was a rough away draw, Northern Ireland was an embarrassing display at home. Portugal nearly imploded against the Northern Irish in its most recent qualifier in Belfast, but was saved by a hat trick from Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has been terrific for his club Real Madrid and is coming off a clutch performance against Levante last weekend.
Israel will likely rue the points that got away against Portugal last March as the team had a two-goal lead with 20 minutes to go and conceded the final marker in extra time.
Prediction: Portugal is the favorite in this game and Ronaldo has been in top form. Expect the Seleçao to romp through this game and eliminate Israel in a 2-0 win.
Start Time: 3:45 p.m. EST