Portugal will be hoping to exact revenge for their 2018 World Cup exit as they take on Uruguay, the side that dumped them out of the Round of 16 in Russia.
This time around, the two sides are matched up in the group stage and both come into the game with a chance to pull away in the standings.
Portugal took down Ghana, the lowest-ranked side in the tournament, in their opening match by a 3-2 scoreline, although it was hard work down the stretch as the African side just would not go away. Uruguay, meanwhile, played to a disappointing scoreless draw with South Korea that saw La Celeste completely misfire in front of goal.
Here, Portugal can secure a knockout-stage place with a win and some outside help, while Uruguay will need a result to realistically stay afloat.
Portugal are thought to be somewhat heavy favorites in this match, swinging into minus-odds territory over their South American rivals.
Bookmakers also believe goals will be at a premium as the under is a heavy favorite and the “no” result of both teams to score also favored, although not as heavily.
The half-goal spread features almost a dead-even split, meaning sports books believe that’s the differential between these two sides.
Portugal vs Uruguay team news
Already missing Diogo Jota, Pedro Neto, and Ricardo Pereira due to long-term injuries before the World Cup, Portugal are now having to navigate an injury to full-back Nuno Mendes who picked up a muscle issue in pre-tournament training and missed the Ghana match.
His status is unknown, but it’s safe to say Portugal missed his presence in the opener. Head coach Fernando Santos will have to consider whether to start Rafael Leao, as his appearance as a substitute vs Ghana was positive and questions were asked about why he started on the bench.
Defender Ronald Araujo missed the opener for Uruguay as he recovers from a long-term hip injury, but he is expected to contribute soon. If Araujo is fit and ready to start, head coach Diego Alonso will have to decide whether to replace Diego Godin or Jose Maria Gimenez in defense.
Their only other injury miss is Mauro Arambarri who did not make the roster due to an ankle injury.
Portugal vs Uruguay key stats
- Since the start of 2022, Portugal have scored 22 goals in 10 matches and were shut out just twice in that span.
- In Portugal’s win over Ghana, Bruno Fernandes became just the second Portugal player ever to provide two assists in a World Cup match.
- Uruguay have failed to score in three of their past five matches.
- Uruguay have kept a clean sheet in each of their past five World Cup group-stage matches. No team has ever kept a clean sheet in six consecutive World Cup group-stage games.
Portugal vs Uruguay match facts
- Date: Monday, November 28
- Kickoff Time: 2:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm GMT / 6:00 am AEDT (Tue, Nov. 29)
- Location: Lusail Iconic Stadium
- Official: Alireza Faghani (Iran*)
* Referee Alireza Faghani is from Iran but has been officiating in the Australian A-League since 2019.
Portugal vs Uruguay prediction
- Moneyline lean: Draw (+240)
- Against the spread lean: Uruguay +0.5 (-120)
- Score prediction: Portugal 2-2 Uruguay
There is a strong argument to be made for both sides coming away with the three points here