Portugal vs. Azerbaijan World Cup 2014 Qualifiers Preview, Predictions

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal look to continue to make their case for qualifications to the 2014 World Cup against Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

The Portuguese got off to a tremendous start with a big 2-1 win over Luxembourg. The Portguese got off to a poor start in that match as Luxembourg's Daniel de Mota scored in the first 13 minutes. However, Crisitiano Ronaldo, who is having the greatest year of his career, answered in the 28^th minute with a goal to even the match. Helder Postiga scored the game winner in the 54^th minute to secure a valuable three points for Portugal.

Ronaldo was under intense spotlight when he announced last week that he was unhappy with his club Real Madrid. However, in that match he showed an intensity to carry his squad to victory and generated chance after chance. He will look to continue letting his play dictate the pace against Azerbaijan who got off to a decent start in the qualifiers.

They tied Israel 1-1 after Ruslan Abishov tied the score in the 65^th minute.

The pressure will be on Portugal who is not the clear favorite of the group. They must contend with Russia who has three points after defeating Northern Ireland 2-0 in their opening match. The winner of the group moves onto the World Cup while the second place squad gets subjected to a playoff round.

The match starts at 4 P.M.

Prediction: Portugal destroys Azerbaijan 4-0. Ronaldo scores a brace.