PORTUGAL and Uruguay are two of the great names in world football and meet on Monday night with neither side hugely impressing in their opening game.
At least the Portuguese managed to get a victory to get them off and running, but they were a long way from their best when they eventually overcame a spirited Ghana.
They needed a controversial Cristiano Ronaldo penalty to get them on their way, but they never really convinced and also looked suspect at the back. However, in a World Cup as tight as this, any win at all is not to be sniffed at.
Uruguay were a huge disappointment in their goalless draw with South Korea. Luis Suarez looked is 35 now and looked it and it was a measure of the paucity of his display that they only looked likely to score once the former Liverpool striker went off to be replaced by another 35-year-old Edinson Cavani.
They couldn't handle the energy displayed by the South Koreans and face a struggle to get out of the group.
Portugal are not alone at being unimpressive, but you have to wonder how the whole Ronaldo circus sideshow has impacted on them.
How the bookies view it
Portugal are odds-on but only just at 47/50 with Highbet. The South Americans are 57/20 and the draw is 9/4.
Recent head to heads
The sides met in a memorable Round of 16 clash at the Round of 16 in the last World Cup in Russia when a Cavani double gave Uruguay a 2-1 win.
Players to watch
All eyes as usual will be on Ronaldo and given he takes the penalties, the 8/5 for him to score could be a bit of value for him to add to his goal in the opening game.
Darwin Nunez looked a far bigger threat than Suarez in Uruguay's opening match and the Liverpool man is 27/10 to score on Monday.
Anything else catch the eye?
As average as Portugal were, they look like they still have plenty of gears to move up and are open to improvement. The same can't be said of Uruguay who looked sluggish and one-paced and Portugal have to be backed here.
It looks a tournament too far for several of Uruguay's big hitters and the Portuguese also have more strength in depth with their substitutes impressing too.
Portugal managed three corners and Uruguay just the four corners in their opening game and with so much at stake, it could be another tight game at the start at least. Try under 3.5 first half corners at 8/5 with Highbet.
This World Cup match between Portugal and Uruguay will be played on Nov 28, 2022 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Portugal vs Uruguay prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
