Portugal vs Uruguay, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Portugal vs Uruguay Match Prediction & Analysis

Portugal’s game against Ghana was one of the most entertaining from the first round of fixtures at this World Cup. 

Although Portugal looked the better team for much of the game, and ran out deserved winners in the end, Ghana ran them close and were good value for their two goals. Portugal’s defence must tighten up.

Of course, when Ronaldo scores and his country wins a game, any negatives are usually swept under the carpet, although you wonder how long that can continue when the bigger, tougher teams come calling.

One of those could be Uruguay, who are one of the toughest sides to break down in world football. They were frustrated in their opening game by South Korea, and they enter this match with just a point on the board.

They were on top for much of the game, and despite having several top strikers in their ranks, they couldn’t find a way to goal. They’ll be eager to change that here, of course.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Portugal Preview

FIFA Ranking: 9

Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Ronaldo will be pleased to be among the goals at this World Cup

     The likes of Fernandes, Felix and Silva all impressed

Reasons to be fearful:

     Ghana exposed some of the gaps in their defence

     Their reliance on Ronaldo means they can be quite one dimensional

Portugal got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start against Ghana, although it was far from comfortable for one of their contenders to lift the trophy next month.

Cristiano Ronaldo, largely wasteful with the chances presented to him in the first half, scored his 118th goal for Portugal from the penalty spot to get his country up and running.

After Ghana equalised, Portugal then responded with two goals in two minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao, although their defensive vulnerabilities were shown up on several occasions throughout the second half.

Against Uruguay, their forwards won’t be afforded the same amount of time and space in front of goal, and they will need to tighten up at the back too.

Their main concern going forward in the tournament will be their reliance on Ronaldo – are they really at their most fluid when he is on the pitch, despite his obvious goalscoring ability?

Star Man – Cristiano Ronaldo

Became the first player to score in five World Cups, adding to a host of other records he has earned during an incredible career. Will need to be at his sharpest to score against this defence, however.

Uruguay Preview

FIFA Ranking: 14

Predicted Finish: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful

     Defence looked rock solid against South Korea

     Had opportunities to win the game in the second half

Reasons to be fearful

     Struggled to create clear-cut chances

     Strikers Suarez and Cavani don’t have the pace to trouble defences

Although Portugal are arguably favourites to finish top of Group H, Uruguay won’t be fazed by a contest they know they can win.

Their defence was rock solid against South Korea and, although they couldn’t find the back of the net themselves, know they have a good foundation to build from.

Uruguay’s problems come in attack. Despite having the likes of Nunez, Suarez and Cavani to call upon, the latter two are coming towards the ends of their careers and cannot play with the same intensity these days.

In midfield, Uruguay have one of the finest in Fede Valverde. He came closest to scoring for his country with an effort that cracked against the post. He provides the engine in this team. 

Star Man – Darwin Nunez

Nunez is the paciest and most in-form of Uruguay’s front three. If Uruguay are to be successful at this tournament, they need more from him, whether that’s stretching defences or being on the end of crosses.