PREVIEW: FIFA World Cup Group H – Portugal vs Uruguay

Group H

Portugal vs Uruguay 

21:00 Kick-off 

On paper, Portugal vs Uruguay is a clash between two giants in Group H, who, on any given day, would be expected to easily advance to the knockout rounds. However, such have been the upsets in this Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, that one cannot predict based on history and reputation alone.  

A hard-fought and narrow 3-2 win over Ghana in the opening game saw Portugal drawing first blood in this group and raced two points clear at the top, after Uruguay was held to a goalless draw by South Korea. 

The Selecoa would have been happy to see one of the all-time football greats Cristiano  Ronaldo become the first player in history to score in five different World Cups and will be hoping the momentum carries into this crucial encounter. For Uruguay, the biggest concern will come from having failed to register a single shot on target in their 10 attempts at goal against the Koreans. 

In what is the South American’s first World Cup since the retirement of their most successful coach Oscar Tabarez, a mix of youth with experience, is the legacy he has left this team with.

A victory for Portugal secures them a place in the last 16 and also puts them in a good position to avoid an early meeting with a dazzling Brazilian side.

Interestingly, Uruguay knocked out Portugal in the last 16 in Russia 2018, beating them 2-1.

Portugal 

Ahead of this second World Cup game, the Portuguese national team camp is starting to resemble a hospital ward. PSG centre-defender Danilo Pereira could be out of action for a long period after suffering three broken ribs at training on Saturday. 

It’s believed Pereira’s tournament could be over, but coach Fernando Santos is counting on a player he calls a “monster”, the 39-year-old Pepe, whom he confirmed will be in the team. 

Furthermore, there are injury doubts about midfielder Otavio, who couldn't finish the game against Ghana, as well as reserve left-back Nuno Mendes who will face late fitness tests. 

Meanwhile, following the win over the Black Stars, Ronaldo took his teammates out for dinner, which would have improved team cohesion before this match.

Uruguay

Uruguay looks to be going to this game without the services of key central defender Ronald Araujo, who came to the World Cup already injured. The Barcelona defender was included in the team despite undergoing thigh surgery at the end of September. 

He missed the match against the Koreans and is not expected to feature tonight, but La Celeste is not short of options for his position with veterans Diego Godin (36) and Martin Caceres (35) available prospects. 

Since former Liverpool and FC. Barcelona striker Luis Suarez struggled in the opening game, it is expected Valencia's Edison Cavani would start for Diego Alonso's men. 

Players to watch 

Bernardo Silva

Age: 28

Club: Manchester City    

Described by his coach Pep Guardiola at Manchester City as the “perfect player, one who doesn’t just play football but understands the game”, Bernardo Silva is the ideal, industrious type of midfielder that thrives at World Cups. 

Silva’s numbers in the second half of the five-goal thriller with Ghana show his class. The no.10 had a 97% pass completion rate from his 68 passes, and defensively he was up to the task just as well with 69% line break completion. An ever-present in this Santos’ team just like Ronaldo, this proves Silva’s worth in this team.  

Darwin Nunez

Age: 23

Club: Liverpool 

With an ageing attack that has been led for more than a decade now by the combination of Suarez (35) and Cavani (35), the Uruguayan firepower upfront has needed fresh blood and young striker Darwin Nunez fits that profile.

At club level, he’s shown a lot of promise and it’s one of the main reasons Liverpool broke the club’s transfer fee record, splashing R1,8 billion to snatch him away from Benfica FC. 

With nine goals from 18 matches in all competitions already this season for The Reds, it’s safe to say the 23-year-old is showing his worth.  After missing out on the 2021 Copa America due to an injury, this is Nunez’s first major tournament at senior international level.