World Cup betting favours Portuguese win on Saturday

Portugal are among the big sides desperate to improve their chances in the World Cup betting stakes when they bid for a qualification victory on Saturday.

France and Argentina are two other teams struggling to seal their places in South Africa next year, with all three needing wins to improve their odds of making the grade.

Portugal are at home to Hungary on Saturday night and are floundering in third place in their qualifying group, two points behind Sweden with two games remaining.

The home side, who are likely to be without star winger Ronaldo due to an ankle problem, are nonetheless clear favourites for the tie, on odds of 1.17 with Betfair.

The draw is at 9.00 and a Hungary win is rated at 22.00 by the same bookmaker.

Portugal coach Carlos Quieroz says his team could be spurred on by the Portuguese public who could pack the Guimaraes stadium and provide an inspirational atmosphere.

France are at home to Faroe Islands and are second to Serbia in their group, also outside the one available automatic qualification space.

The home team are virtually certain to grab all three points on Saturday, according to Betfair, who have them at 1.01 for the win, with the draw at 70.00 and the shock of a Faroe Islands victory on 180.00.

Argentina, who are also struggling in their South American qualification group, need three points against Peru on Saturday to get back on the road to South Africa 2010.