FIFA World Cup 2018 Preview: Uruguay -v- Portugal

URUGUAY

Uruguay topped Group A with three wins from three to set up a last 16 tie with European champions Portugal in Sochi (kick-off 7pm Irish time).

A comfortable 3-0 win over the hosts Russia ensured La Celeste closed out the preliminary stage with an unblemished record, having already beaten Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Most pleasing for manager Oscar Tabarez is that goals have been spread around the team, with Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani both getting off the mark.

They're also the only team to have gone through the group stage without conceding a goal, a solidity typical of the South American side in recent years.

Having come through a relatively weak group, however, they'll face a big step up in class when Cristiano Ronaldo et al show up.

"We are facing a very strong and powerful team,” said midfielder Matias Vecino.

“The match will be defined by details and we will try to limit their forwards."

Midfielder Diego Laxalt added: "On Saturday we play a final against Portugal. Finals are not played, though, they are won."

Tabarez is likely to have a full deck to choose from after Jose Maria Giminez came through training OK after recovering from a minor injury.

PORTUGAL

The consequence of Portugal conceding that injury-time equaliser to Iran on Monday was to set up a second-round tie against Group A winners Uruguay.

Ricardo Quaresma had given the Portuguese the lead just before half time, but a late penalty from Karim Ansarifard levelled the tie and forced Portugal into second.

In spite of the tournament taking place in Russia, Portugal would have preferred Spain's task of taking on the hosts in front of their own fans.

The match pitches two teams with relatively similar styles against one another – both hard-working, uncompromising, physical sides with a sprinkling of star quality.

For Portugal, the star man is, and will be for as long as he's in the team, Cristiano Ronaldo, the scorer of four of Portugal's five goals in the group stages.

"Uruguay is a very strong team in the various sectors,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.

“We have studied them well and there is always something we can possibly explore, but more important is to think about what we can do.

“There will be two great teams in the field, with quality players, and I believe that Portugal can win the game.

"What I hope is that the team is focused, with the notion that it is necessary to fight and to run a lot. We are going with great confidence, but also with respect for the opponent.”

Striker Adrien Silva added: "I believe in a great clash between two great teams. Our team is ready for any moment of the game, either to defend or to attack."

Santos will have a full squad to choose from having come through the group stages without any serious injuries or suspensions.

Referee: Cesar Ramos (Mexico).

MATCH STATS

This is just the third time Uruguay and Portugal have met one another, and the first time in a World Cup finals.

Their first meeting came in a friendly game in June 1966 in Oeiras, with a Jose Torres hat-trick earning Portugal a 3-0 win.

The second meeting, six years later at the invitational Independence tournament in Rio de Janeiro, finished in a 0-0 draw.

BETTING

Uruguay 15/8; Draw 9/5; Portugal 9/5.

PREDICTION

Uruguay 2 – 1 Portugal

Uruguay

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Portugal

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.