Verdict: Both teams to score – no
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
And here we are. The group stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup are over and we are getting towards the real deal – the knockout rounds. First of them will occur between the sides that had different roads towards this match. Uruguay won their group without conceding a single goal, while Portugal barely managed to get into second place, but also did so without losing a match. This match could be dull proceeding, as many compare both sides to Atletico Madrid, grinding out small-margin wins, rather than dazzle with their attacking style and swagger.
Uruguay
Uruguay seem to be in a very good position. They did not play well in their first two matches, against Egypt and Saudi Arabia, narrowly winning both of them 1-0. However, after the classy win over hosts Russia in the match that was deciding who will go on to play Spain, Uruguay showed their true face. Their coach was probably keeping the cards out of sight, before changing the formation for the match against Russia. The team played with three centre-backs, which is probably something everyone should expect them to repeat versus Portugal. That means more defensive solidity, which could result in a tougher match without many goals.
Team News
Uruguay will be able to field their strongest XI for this match.
Portugal
Portugal, on the other hand, had much more trouble than Uruguay. Of course, that was in part due to playing in a tougher group, but Portugal ended their group matches with a lot of problems. The biggest of them was that Iran were just a shot away from beating the European champions, which would have meant them going home. However, Portugal did what they showed to be doing best – they drew. That was their second draw at this tournament, after all three they drew in group stages at the last Euro. In fact, Portugal’s win against Morocco was only their second since the start of the last World Cup in group stages of the these tournaments. They drew six of the nine matches in the process and it seems like we could easily be getting to extra-time in their match against Uruguay.
Team News
Portugal will be complete for this match, as well.
Key Factors to Consider
- Uruguay did not concede a single goal in their three matches at the tournament, proving they have one of the meanest defences in Russia
- Portugal scored five goals so far, but four of them came through Cristiano Ronaldo – if he is stopped, Portugal could struggle
- Uruguay allowed just six shots on target to their opponents so far, showing they are really good at shutting down attacks
- Portugal won just one of their seven matches at the Euro 2016 during the regular 90 minutes, proving how resolute they are
Conclusion
Expect here a very tight affair. I would be even recommending you to try with ‘less than 1.5 goals’, as a 0-0 really looks like something that could be expected from the two teams. An early goal would definitely change things upside down, but Uruguay and Portugal are more likely to start the match more carefully.
Verdict: Both teams to score – no
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: 888sport