Uruguay – Portugal World Cup Prediction
The Celeste comes to this round thanks to the first place obtained in their grouping (Group A), ahead of Russia, beaten in the direct clash. The Lusitani, however, despite having closed on equal terms with Spain, ranked first in Group B, have passed as second due to a penalizing goal difference.
This is an unprecedented race, we do not remember any official meeting between the two nationals since the post-war period. Who passes, in the quarters, will face the winner of the race between France and Argentina.
Like a diesel engine, Uruguay needed time to give the best in the field during this first phase of the world championship; after the suffered victory against Saudi Arabia, at the debut (Gimenez ’92nd goal), the men of Tabarez had fewer problems to liquidate Iran, then showing all their value in the decisive challenge for the first place against Russia, beaten 3-0, in a race that saw, finally, the bomber Cavani. To signal the excellent performance of the defense, led by the evergreen Godin, who has not suffered even a goal in the first three races disputed. As for the formation, the South American CT will decide at the last if to bet on 3-5-2 seen in the match against Russia or on the 4-4-2 of the first two opening races.
Portugal is a technical team but very slow in defense: Luis Suarez has already made two goals in this edition of the World Cup and in races like this could be lethal. He is entrusted with the task of deciding a match so important that would allow his to reach the quarterfinals (is also the rigorist). We focus on its verve.
Probable Training
Muslera; Caceres, Coates, Godin, Laxalt; Nandez, Torreira, Bentancur, Vecino; L.Suarez, Cavani.
The European team has not shone so far, relying above all on the plays of its most talented player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Apart from the match against Spain, played on equal terms, Portugal suffered and not just against Morocco, beaten 1-0, both in the last match against Iran, a 1-1 draw with the Middle East close to the network of victory right in the final. Some “fine” pieces were missing from CT Fernando Santos who expected much more from Milan player André Silva in the offensive phase (the usual big problem in Portugal, scoring) and from his back line which, in all the races, confirmed all its limits allowing too many occasions to opponents. Training rather obvious for the Lusitanians, with Quaresma now very much titled and Guedes instead of Andrè Silva.
It would be too easy to make the name of Cristiano Ronaldo as a key man of this race, we try to focus on Joao Mario, the former Inter footballer was one of the architects of the winning path to the last Europeans and his charisma and his class, could make the difference against the perhaps still too immature midfield of Uruguay.
Probable Training
Rui Patricio; Cedric Soares, Pepe, José Fonte, R.Guerreiro; Adrien Silva, João Mário, William Carvalho, Quaresma; Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Uruguay – Portugal Prediction
Difficult to find a favorite between these two teams who will try to win at all costs but seeing themselves well first not to suffer.
Prediction Today: GOAL
Odds: 2.11
Prediction of the Day: Under 2.5
Odds: 1.44
