World Cup 2022: Uruguay Under Pressure Against Portugal

Portugal vs Uruguay

Portugal and Uruguay were the favourites to come out of Group H at World Cup 2022. However, the South Americans and two-time world champions have work to do if they are to make it through to the knockout stage for the fourth tournament in a row.

While Portugal won their group opener 3-2 against Ghana, La Celeste were held to a goalless draw by Korea Republic as their attack failed to get going.

The pressure is now on Luis Suarez and co. to pick up three points against Portugal, or their World Cup 2022 odds of making it through are bound to get much worse.

Talking Points

Portugal surprisingly positive

Portugal are off to a good start in World Cup 2022 after their 3-2 win over Ghana, which has sent them to the top of Group H.

Portugal played a surprisingly attacking starting lineup against Ghana. Fernando Santos, who has been criticised for his conservative tactics over the years, went with a front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Bruno Fernandes, with Bernardo Silva, Otavio, and Ruben Neves in midfield.

That attacking personnel did not produce a ton of chances, but they did provide quality at the crucial moments. Bruno Fernandes, in particular, was outstanding as he set up two of the team’s three goals, while Rafael Leao made a massive impact after coming on as a substitute.

Cristiano Ronaldo was not quite at his sharpest as he was unable to convert a couple of good chances, but he still made his presence felt as he won and scored the penalty to become the first male player ever to score in five different World Cups.

It remains to be seen whether Santos will remain quite as adventurous against Uruguay, who have the attacking quality to hurt the Portuguese. Ruben Neves and Otavio are the most likely candidates to make way should Santos revert to his conservative ways, with the likes of William Carvalho and Joao Palhinha possibly coming in to provide more steel to the midfield.

Underwhelming Uruguay need attacking spark

Uruguay could only pick up a point in their drab goalless draw with Korea Republic in their opening group game.

La Celeste had a 10-7 edge in shots and got the game’s only shot on target, although they did hit the woodwork twice through Fede Valverde and Diego Godin.

But the front three of Luis Suarez, Darwin Nunez and Facundo Pellistri was a massive disappointment as they had just one shot between them. The 35-year-old Suarez looked well off the pace and was subbed off just after the hour mark for fellow veteran Edinson Cavani, who was more active and had a couple of shots.

The big question now is whether head coach Diego Alonso will dare dropping Suarez for their big game against Portugal. Cavani could start alongside Darwin Nunez up front to provide more World Cup 2022 highlights in attack.

Meanwhile, the midfield and defence might remain unchanged, with the still-recovering Ronald Araujo unlikely to be risked. The Uruguayans have been rock-solid at the back under Diego Alonso, conceding just two goals in his first 10 games in charge.

One of those two goals was a late Venezuela consolation with Uruguay up 4-0, while the other was in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Iran.

History

This will be just the second time Portugal and Uruguay will meet in the World Cup finals. The two sides faced off in the previous World Cup in Russia, with Uruguay knocking Portugal out in the round of 16. Edinson Cavani scored both goals in a 2-1 win.

Uruguay have won four of their last five World Cup matches against European countries. But it has been the opposite for Portugal, who have won just one of their last nine matches against South American opposition.

Betting Tip 

SBOTOP odds have Portugal priced as 2.01 favourites over Uruguay, who are pegged at 3.75. A draw is 3.30.

Uruguay clearly need to win more than Portugal, who could qualify for the round of 16 with a draw depending on what happens with Korea Republic vs Ghana.

But La Celeste did not inspire much confidence with their attacking performance against the South Koreans, and they will now face another tough opponent in Portugal.

With Portugal not needing to win against Uruguay, I expect this to be a closely contested affair, one that most likely ends in a draw.

 

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