Uruguay vs Portugal: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 30th June 2018

World Cup 2018 - Last 16
Saturday 30th June 2018
Kick off at 7pm BST
Venue: Fisht Olympic Stadium

Match Preview:

Uruguay and Portugal will be an intriguing match as both sets of players look evenly matched coming into this crucial last 16 round World Cup knock out game.

Uruguay have been pretty clinical in the group stages beating Egypt and Saudi Arabia and then overcoming hosts Russia 3-0 to get maximum points and top the group. The nation are finally playing as a team and have been looked at as possible dark horses for the whole competition. Though question marks must remain over the number of chances they have been missing and the fact that they could only beat a poor side in Saudi Arabia 1-0. Strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have shown flashes of their brilliance but their chemistry still looks untested.

The European champions Portugal have blown hot and cold in the group stages. Their last gasp 3-3 draw against Spain was impressive and Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a hat trick. But since then, despite scroring another he has also missed a penalty. A narrow 1-0 win over Morocco followed the Spain result where arguably they looked the weaker side. They could then only draw 1-1 with Iran and could have exited the tournament. Portugal will have to step up their game if they are to advance.

Uruguay vs Portugal Team News:

Uruguay: Jose Maria Giminez will be ruled out with a muscle injury but the rest of the squad are training well

Portugal: Portugal have a full squad ahead of this game

Uruguay vs Portugal Head to Head:

These two nations have only met twice before, first in 1966 when Portugal won 3-0, and again in 1972 when the match finished all square at 1-1.

Uruguay vs Portugal Prediction:

We should expect a cautious match and a long night when these two sides lock horns. Both teams have the quality to score goals against one another with the likes of Ronaldo, Suarez, and Cavani on the pitch, and we should see the match open up in the second half. However the opening exchanges will likely create few chances, it should be a game that will get more exciting as it goes on. It would be no surprise if the match went to extra time or even penalties and i certainly can't see more than 1 goal separating these two teams.

Uruguay vs Portugal Betting Tips:

Highest scoring half: 2^nd half at 2.20

Goal line (Asian total) - Under 2 at 1.70

A red card to be shown at 2.70