Portugal vs Uruguay Prediction: A tough contest for both teams

Portugal knows a win against Uruguay on Monday will guarantee them a spot in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. In their first tournament game, Fernando Santos's squad defeated Ghana, 3-2, on Thursday night. Earlier in the day, Uruguay and South Korea battled a scoreless stalemate.

Portugal Starting 11 (4-3-3): Dias, Pereira, Cancelo, Guerreiro, Neves, Bernardo, Otavio, Fernandes, Ronaldo, Felix.

Uruguay Starting 11 (4-3-3): Godin, Gimenez, Caceres, Olivera, Bentancur, Valverde, Vecino, Pellistri, Nunez, Suarez.

Last Five Matches: WWLWL

FIFA World Ranking: 9th

When Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty kick against Ghana on Thursday night, he became the first male player to score in five World Cups. At the end of regulation, Portugal led 3-2 over Qatar, but Osman Bukari scored to make it 3-3; in stoppage time, Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams slid in front of the goal after taking the ball away from Diogo Costa inside the penalty area. With a win on Monday, Santos's team would advance to the next round of the competition before their last group stage encounter against South Korea on December 2. If Brazil were to win Group G, which may include Switzerland, Cameroon, or Serbia, they would advance to face the group's runner-up in the round of 16. Since 2006, Brazil has not advanced past the round of 16 at a World Cup.

Last Five Matches: DWLWD

FIFA World Ranking: 14th

In Thursday's opening match against South Korea, Uruguay twice hit the post. Diego Godin's first-half header hit the post, and Federico Valverde's second-half thumping shot also hit the post. Though Diego Alonso's squad has a chance to win or lose on the second matchday, a loss would leave them susceptible for their final group stage game against Ghana on December 2. While Uruguay has only won the World Cup twice, in 1930 and 1950, they have made a strong showing in the last three tournaments, placing in the top four each time (2010, 2014, and 2018). La Celeste has been to the World Cup quarterfinals before so they won't be too discouraged by their draw in the opening game. Only three times had the South American nation played Portugal, with the most recent match occurring in the World Cup's round of 16, where they won.

Although the Navigators are not considered among the favorites to win the World Cup in Qatar, it would be quite the narrative if Ronaldo, at age 37, were to lead this team to victory after the events of the past few weeks. In Qatar, Uruguay has once again relied on its veteran players like Godin, Martin Caceres, Cavani, and Luis Suarez, but it remains to be seen if they can guide their team to the round of 16.

Prediction: In this encounter, goals will be scored by both teams. Two goals were allowed by Portugal's defense against Ghana, demonstrating the team's defensive weakness. Therefore, we believe that Uruguay will be able to score goals easily. However, Portugal's goal-scoring ability is high due to the presence of dangerous strikers like Ronaldo and Felix.

• Both Teams to Score
• Over 2.5
• Portugal Over 1.5 Goals

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