Portugal eyes an early qualification to the last 16 stages but Uruguay are ready to be the barrier in their path in this enthralling second group stage game in Group H.
The Selecao played out a 3-2 thriller against Ghana while Uruguay secured a point in the goalless draw against South Korea in the last game.
POR vs URU Match Details
Date: Monday, 28 November 2022 / Tuesday, 29 November 2022
Time: 22:00 (AST) / 00:30 (IST)
Venue: Lusail Stadium, Lusail
POR vs URU Match Preview
It took Portugal 65 minutes to finally strike past a resolute Ghana defense although it came from the penalty spot. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first men's player to score in five World Cups by converting the spot-kick but victory was not secured without chaos. The Black Stars came back into the game soon after through Andre Ayew who then got stunned by Portugal retaking the lead while he was high-fiving his teammates on the bench at the time of his substitution. Joao Felix helped to retake the lead before Rafael Leao’s sublime finish made it 3-1. When everything seems to be over, Osman Bukari scored for Ghana towards the end making things interesting. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa escaped a horror moment in the stoppage time when he rolled the ball inside the penalty box unaware of the lurking Inaki Williams behind but the latter slipped after stealing it. Fernando Santos won’t be happy with the events at the end but is pleased to know they are just a victory away to seal a spot in the last 16. Portugal were eliminated by Uruguay at that stage four years ago and they face them once again in the second group stage game. A win will not only fulfil the revenge for the Selecao but will spare the last game against South Korea from being a tumultuous one. There have been only three meetings between the sides in history with each winning once and the other being a draw. So, Fernando Santos will want his players to solely focus on precision to take them through.
Fede Valverde and Diego Godin both struck the upright as were left frustrated by South Korea’s dogged defense finishing it goalless. The draw was not suitable for La Celeste when Portugal are carrying a winning momentum ahead of meeting each other in the second group stage game. It was also the third time under Diego Alonso that Uruguay failed to score. Only one shot on target from seven showed the lack of scoring chances created with the combination of youth and old guard still taking time to combine. While they were unlucky with some of the shots ratting the post, Uruguay have to convert them against the Selecao otherwise they had to rely on results in the final games. Diego Alonso is likely to keep it safe against Portugal but will want his side to take the opportunity of scoring. Fernando Santos’s side showed vulnerability in their defense so Luis Suarez, Darwin Nunez and later on Edinson Cavani will be key to exploiting any sort of space given. At the same time, Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez need to be switch on to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo from taking a revenge on them. A win will take them close to the last 16 although to be absolutely certain, La Celeste have to take full points against Ghana in the final match as well. Portugal have the beneficiary of having three points on board which Uruguay does not. Alonso has to rely once again on the experienced holders to show their class in this massive face-off at Lusail.
POR vs URU Team News
Portugal coach Fernando Santos confirmed that Danilo Perreira will not be available for the clash against Uruguay after sustaining a rib injury in the training. The Selecao expect to have him back on the pitch soon. The veteran Pepe will start in his place who scored in the 2-1 defeat to Uruguay in 2018. Club mate, Nuno Mendes is also a doubt for the game as is attacking midfielder Otavio. Irrespective of the FC Porto player’s absence, William Carvalho should start in midfield to bring more solidity lacking in the opening match. Rafael Leao came on as a substitute and scored what turned out to be the winner but he will once again make a place on the bench. Bruno Fernandes started the 2022 World Cup with two assists, continuing in the trio of Joao Felix and his ex-club mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Check here Portugal’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile and FIFA World Cup 2022: Portugal - World Cup Records and Stats
Ronald Araujo continues his recovery from the thigh injury he sustained at the end of September. The Barcelona defender will be missing another World Cup game for Uruguay so Martin Caceres retain his position at right-back. Diego Alonso is unlikely to make changes to the starting eleven from the goalless draw although Edinson Cavani will argue for his place in the starting eleven having scored a memorable brace in this encounter last time.
Check here Uruguay’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile and FIFA World Cup 2022: Uruguay - World Cup Records and Stats
POR vs URU Predicted Lineups
POR: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Raphael Guerreiro; Bernardo Silva, William Carvalho, Ruben Neves; Bruno Fernandes; Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix
URU: Sergio Pochet; Martin Caceres, Diego Godin, Jose Gimenez, Matthias Olivera; Fede Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Matias Vecino; Facundo Pellistri, Luis Suarez, Darwin Nunez
POR vs URU Dream11 Team Prediction
Team 1
GK: Costa (7)
DEF: Cancelo (9), Dias (8), Gimenez (8.5), Guerreiro (8.5)
MID: B Silva (8.5), B Fernandes (9), Bentancur (8.5), Valverde (9)
FW: C Ronaldo (9), Nunez (9)
Vice-captain: Bruno Fernandes
Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Team 2
GK: Costa (7)
DEF: Cancelo (9), Dias (8), Gimenez (8.5), Guerreiro (8.5)
MID: B Silva (8.5), B Fernandes (9), Valverde (9)
FW: Felix (8), C Ronaldo (9), Nunez (9)
Vice-captain: Bruno Fernandes
Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
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