Portugal could qualify for the next phase of the World Cup early with a game to play if they beat Uruguay on Monday, a task that will likely be much easier said than done.
Uruguay is top of the World Cup, having won the tournament twice, albeit a few generations ago, and know more than Portugal, having been knocked out of the competition in the round of 16 in 2018.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show on Thursday and set a record with his fifth World Cup goal in Portugal's 3-2 win over Ghana, his team lacked inspiration and there is still work to be done to end a dismal streak of World Cups forms since reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2006.
Uruguay may not have scored or even shot on target in Thursday's opener against a dismal South Korea, but they were built, organized and like a team capable of another deep run in the World Cup, with veterans and newcomers combining and moving the ball seamlessly with confidence.
All five of Portugal's opening match goals came in a frenetic last 25 minutes which coach Fernando Santos likened to a storm. He said he will go into the match against Uruguay without problems because he knows what needs to be fixed.
Portugal, who have a habit of giving their all in the World Cup group stages, may want to avert it this time around with a final game against South Korea, the team who ended Germany's title defense in the 2018.
Similarly, Uruguay will want to avoid a loss to Portugal so they can take control of their destiny in their final game against Ghana.
Uruguay have been looking good since Diego Alonso took over late last year and changed things around in qualifying. He has every player in his team at his disposal except Barcelona's Ronald Araujo, who is recovering from thigh surgery.
Alonso's defense looked solid against South Korea, and he was blessed with plenty of attacking opportunities despite their age - from Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, as well as Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and Manchester United's Facundo Pellistri, who looked dangerous on their World Cup debut.
The Lineups for Today’s game
Portugal: Diogo Costa, Pepe, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Ruben Neves, Nuno Mendes, Bernardo Silva, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Uruguay: Sergio Rochet, Diego Godin, Sebastian Coates, Mathias Olivera, Jose Maria Gimenez, Matias Vecino, Guillermo Varela, Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Edinson Cavani, Darwin Nunez.
When will the Portugal vs Uruguay match take place?
The Portugal vs Uruguay match will take place at 12:30 AM IST, November 29, Tuesday.
Where will the venue of Portugal vs Uruguay match?
The Portugal vs Uruguay match will be held at Lusail Stadium.
Where can I bet Portugal vs Uruguay match?
The Portugal vs Uruguay match is available at 11ic App and Website at SABA Sports.
Comments