Portugal take on Uzbekistan in a Group K clash at the FIFA World Cup in Houston on June 23, as they look to register their first win of the campaign.
Roberto Martinez’s side were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening game of the World Cup last week. They started on the front foot against the African side and were duly rewarded with a Joao Neves header in the early exchanges. However, DR Congo stunned the Portuguese fans in the Houston Stadium when Yoane Wissa equalised in the first-half stoppage time.
Selecao das Quinas must drastically improve if they intend to bounce back and beat Uzbekistan, who were beaten 3-1 by Colombia.
Portugal Team News
Ruben Dias was a notable absentee from Portugal’s starting XI in their first game due to a minor injury. However, he has returned to full training and is expected to start against Uzbekistan. This means Roberto Martinez will have a clean bill of health to pick his best 11 for this crucial fixture.
Predicted Portugal lineup vs. Uzbekistan (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Diogo Costa is Portugal’s undisputed No.1 and should keep his place in the side against Uzbekistan. He will be raring to shut the shop as quickly as possible and register his first clean sheet of this edition of the World Cup.
Defence
Ruben Dias is expected to return to the side after recovering from a minor knock. The Manchester City star will lead the defence, and his experience and positional awareness should be invaluable against a counter-attacking Uzbekistan side. He will likely partner Renato Veiga in central defence.
Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes should continue as the full-backs, offering a mix of attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Midfield
Portugal’s midfield were adept at keeping the ball against DR Congo, as they should be with the qualities of players like Vitinha and Joao Neves. The PSG duo will start again, but Martinez will want them to move the ball quickly across the pitch to unlock Uzbekistan’s defence.
Bruno Fernandes is the creative glue of Portugal. The Manchester United skipper can produce the goods out of nothing, and he has to be more influential in the final third against Fabio Cannavaro’s side.
Attack
Bernardo Silva was ineffective and substituted at half time in the first game; however, Martinez is expected to stick with the experienced midfielder on the right flank to help in fluid build-up play. On the left, Pedro Neto will offer pace, directness and dynamism to stretch the Uzbek backline.
Ronaldo is arguably the greatest goalscorer ever, and Martinez still has faith in his star man’s ability to overcome a sluggish start to this tournament. The veteran striker will lead the attack again, determined to break his duck and guide Portugal to their first win.
Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao and Fabio Conceicao will be attacking options to come off the bench when required.
