Portugal faces Uruguay, on Monday, in a “poster” match of Group H in which they can seal the pass to the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, with only the victory over the South American shield.
The team led by Fernando Santos is one victory away from securing the next stage, which they reached in the last edition, in 2018, in Russia, where they ‘fell’, precisely, against the ‘blue’ team (2-1), so the memories are not the best.
Despite having started winning in their debut, against Ghana (3-2), with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo (65th minute, from a penalty), João Félix (78) and Rafael Leão (80), the display oscillated between good and bad. bad moments, given the inexcusable defensive weaknesses and the scare of goalkeeper Diogo Costa right at the end, Iñaki Williams could well be thanked for the ‘slip’ on the pitch at Estádio 974, in Doha.
Against Uruguay, who debuted with a ‘null’ (0-0) against South Korea, by Paulo Bento, surely the demand will be greater, taking into account the collective power and individualities that the South Americans present.
The Portuguese coach is expected to make some changes to the ‘eleven’, specifically in defense, with the addition of left-back Nuno Mendes, although he is still recovering from physical problems, replacing Raphaël Guerreiro, and the experienced center-back Pepe, to harm to Danilo.
Defender João Cancelo stood out for the refusal against the Ghanaians, largely due to the poor defensive approaches in the two conceded goals, and it would not be surprising if Diogo Dalot could occupy the right flank. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa and center back Rúben Dias should remain among the starters.
In addition, Bruno Fernandes, author of two assists on the first day, and Bernardo Silva must remain in midfield, while Rúben Neves and Otávio, who left with complaints, can make way for Palhinha and William Carvalho, respectively.
Already in the attack, the captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to continue counting on the company of João Félix.
For his part, the world champion in 1930, in the first edition, and in 1950, rejuvenated in the coaching staff with the rookie Diego Alonso, who replaced the ‘eternal’ Óscar Tabárez, should not be very different, taking into account the duel with the Koreans, leaving it uncertain if Edinson Cavani will be in the starting eleven, since he was used as a substitute.
The athletes Sebastián Coates and Manuel Ugarte have not yet been released and it is unlikely that they will be an option against the Portuguese.
The “quinas” team will face Uruguay on Monday, at 10:00 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. Lisbon time), at the Lusail Stadium, the largest in the competition, with a capacity for 80,000 spectators, which houses a total of of nine games, including the grand final on December 18.
On December 2, at 6:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. in Lisbon), South Korea, led by Paulo Bento, continues in the final round of the ‘poule’.
The 22nd edition of the World Championship will run until December 18 in Qatar.
Source: TSF
