Portugal will be looking to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.
In Portugal’s 2022 FIFA World Cup opener, they defeated Ghana 3-2. In the second half, the game became a thrilling thriller. Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored for Fernando Santos’ team. At a crucial point in the game, Bruno Fernandes provided two assists, which proved to be crucial.
In the meantime, Uruguay’s first World Cup match against South Korea ended in a goalless draw. Uruguay hit the woodwork twice, but neither team was able to score. When Uruguay plays Portugal, they will also want to start their World Cup campaign on four wheels.
Let’s take a look at how Portugal might line up against Uruguay without further ado.
Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
Near the end of Portugal’s game against Ghana, Diogo Costa almost made the biggest mistake of the 2022 FIFA World Cup thus far.
Costa put the ball down before scanning the field, but Inaki Williams, who was lurking behind him, came and tried to steal it instead of telegraphing it into the opposition’s half.
Ruben Dias and William Carvalho were able to save Costa, but Williams fell and didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. despite that instance. Costa is likely to keep his position between the sticks, which will most likely be featured in the blooper reel of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Right back: Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo was not at his best in the first match against Ghana, and he was to blame for the second goal Ghana scored that night. However, Cancelo’s qualities are known to everyone, so it is unlikely that he will be moved to the bench.
Center Back: Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias did not see much action in the game against Ghana. However, he will undoubtedly want to make up for the fact that he was unable to successfully negotiate the Ghanaians’ late assault.
Center Back: Pepe
Danilo Pereira, a center-back, will not play against Uruguay because he injured his rib in training. Pepe, a Portuguese veteran who is 39 years old, may replace him in the lineup.
Left-back – Raphael Guerreiro
Raphael Guerreiro is expected to keep his spot in Portugal’s starting lineup at left back because young fullback Nuno Mendes is still recovering from muscle soreness. The 28-year-old looked great proceeding against Ghana however the protective parts of his game require improvement.
Central midfielder – Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves is a central midfielder whose mobility and ability to read the game will alleviate a lot of pressure on their back four. The anchorman for Wolverhampton Wanderers will reprise his role in the match against Uruguay, but the personnel around him will not be the same.
Central midfielder – William Carvalho
William Carvalho, a central midfielder, came on in the second half to help Portugal take control of the game. He is likely to start in place of Otavio against Uruguay.
Central midfielder – Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva, a central midfielder, never really got going against Ghana, even though he showed some good ball skills. However, the Manchester City midfielder is a match-winner and will continue to play.
Right-winger – Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes made significant improvements in the second half after moving into a more central role. Because of his almost unrivaled capacity for generating opportunities, Fernandes may choose to play more centrally than he did against Ghana in the first half.
Left-winger – Joao Felix
Left winger Joao Felix appeared out of sorts during Ghana’s first half. However, he improved throughout the game and turned things around in the 90th minute. Felix adjusted it with a made completion for Portugal’s second objective of the evening.
Centre-forward – Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo plays center forward. Against Ghana, Ronaldo was not at his best, and he missed a few good chances. However, he converted his penalty and led the attack admirably, particularly in the second half.