Portugal face tournament debutants Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on Tuesday, looking to recover from a disappointing start to their Group K campaign. Roberto Martinez's side were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo, a result that left them third in the group despite enjoying 75% possession. Colombia currently lead the section, leaving Portugal under early pressure to deliver.
Much of the focus following the opener has centred on Cristiano Ronaldo, who endured a frustrating display and failed to register a shot on target from three attempts. The 41-year-old retained his place throughout the 90 minutes and is expected to start again, though calls for change have grown louder. Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead before Yoane Wissa equalised before half time.
Uzbekistan arrive seeking their first World Cup point after a 3-1 defeat to Colombia on their tournament debut. Fabio Cannavaro's side competed for long periods and scored their maiden World Cup goal through Abbosbek Fayzullaev. A second defeat would confirm their elimination from the competition.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan: Key Stats
This is the first competitive meeting between the nations
Portugal: Scored in 11 of their last 12 World Cup matches
Portugal: Won their second fixture in five of their last six World Cup campaigns
Uzbekistan: Lost 3-1 to Colombia on their World Cup debut
Uzbekistan: Recorded no touches in the opposition box during the first half against Colombia
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
Portugal will dominate possession and look to break down a disciplined Uzbekistan side set up to defend in numbers. Martinez is expected to make changes after the underwhelming opener, with Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao pushing for starts to add greater attacking threat. The midfield trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes gives Portugal the quality to control the contest.
The concern for Portugal remains converting territory into clear chances, an issue that defined their draw with DR Congo. Ronaldo's form is under scrutiny, and Martinez will need his attackers to be more incisive in the final third. Breaking down a compact defensive block will require patience and precision.
Uzbekistan will rely on the defensive organisation marshalled by Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov, who anchors a committed back line. Captain Eldor Shomurodov, his country's all-time leading scorer with 44 goals, offers their main threat on the counter. Cannavaro's side must remain disciplined and clinical with the limited opportunities they are likely to receive.
Predicted Lineups
Portugal (4-3-3)
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Leao
Uzbekistan (3-4-2-1)
Yusupov; Ashurmatov, Khusanov, Abdullaev; Karimov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov
Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes - Portugal's chief creator and the player most likely to unlock a packed defence. Coming off a record-breaking assist season, his vision and delivery will be central to Portugal's attacking efforts. He needs his teammates to provide sharper movement ahead of him.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal's captain and talisman, under scrutiny after a quiet display against DR Congo. He has a strong record of scoring in matchday-two fixtures and will be determined to respond to the criticism. As the focal point of the attack, his finishing remains central to Portugal's chances.
Abdukodir Khusanov - The Manchester City defender tasked with marshalling Uzbekistan's back line against Portugal's attack. His recovery pace and ability in ground duels make him central to their defensive plan. Containing Portugal's wide threats will be his primary responsibility.
Eldor Shomurodov - Uzbekistan's captain and record scorer, their most likely source of a goal. His experience and finishing make him dangerous if the White Wolves can create transitions. Portugal's defence cannot afford to underestimate his threat.
Prediction
Prediction: Portugal to win and under 3.5 goals @ 1.92
Portugal's superior quality should ultimately prove decisive against a Uzbekistan side making their World Cup debut. The pressure following the DR Congo draw will demand a response, and Martinez's expected changes should add greater attacking purpose. Portugal have scored in 11 of their last 12 World Cup matches, pointing towards a breakthrough.
Uzbekistan's defensive discipline and the organisation provided by Khusanov suggest this is unlikely to be a heavy defeat. Portugal's recent struggles to build large margins reinforce the case for a controlled rather than emphatic win. A Portugal victory by one or two goals appears the most probable outcome.
