Portugal vs. Uzbekistan – World Cup Group K Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jun 23)
How to Watch
- Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- When: Tuesday, June 23, 1:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan World Cup Preview
There’s plenty of discussion regarding Portugal after the World Cup opening round and a failure against DR Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo is under heavy criticism, and the game against Uzbekistan is now a must-win for the Portuguese unit.
ALSO SEE: World Cup picks page
Portugal Team News & Stats
We have to say that Ronaldo didn’t play that badly as many say. He is not to be blamed for a 1-1 tie against Congo, but the entire team, which simply stopped after taking the lead, and underestimated the rival.
Portugal’s defense has allowed at least one goal in the past three matches, and the previous 4 saw moderate efficiency, meaning 2 or 3 goals per game. Over the previous 10 contests, Portugal had 6 wins, 3 ties, and a defeat.
Likely Lineup: D Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
Uzbekistan Team News & Stats
Uzbekistan lost the opener against Colombia, 3-1. Despite looking like a confident loss, things weren’t like that during the opening 90 minutes. Uzbek players even had several chances to make this event more interesting, but their inexperience in matches like this one was decisive.
This unit now has 3 straight defeats, with 2 goals conceded in each. However, we have to say that Uzbekistan wants to play open, offensive-minded football, and they don’t back down, no matter the rival.
Likely Lineup: Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Sayfiev, Shukurov, Mozgovoy, Nazrullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov
Head to Head
There weren’t any matches between these two teams.
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan World Cup Predictions
We will see how Martinez handles the pressure regarding Ronaldo, because many want him on the bench. This game will be crucial for Portugal, and after a sloppy start, we most definitely believe in their brutal response and a convincing win against the Asian unit.
- Free World Cup Picks: Portugal -1.5
