Football VAVEL

Portugal vs Uruguay: World Cup Group H Preview, Round 2, 2022

The two sides meet for the first time since the 2018 World Cup.

Portugal vs Uruguay: World Cup Group H Preview, Round 2, 2022
Joao Felix celebrates with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo after scoring Portugal's second goal in their win over Ghana - Photo by Wu Zhizhao/VCG via Getty Images
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By Louis Bent

Portugal will look to build on their winning start to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when they face Uruguay in their second Group H game.

Seleção das Quinas opened their campaign with a victory over Ghana, where a flurry of late goals meant they secured maximum points in their first game.

A dubious penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo was followed up by goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao to give Fernando Santos' side a 3-2 win.

Meanwhile, Uruguay drew with South Korea in their opener, as manager Diego Alonso took charge of his first World Cup fixture.

La Celeste hit the post twice during the stalemate through Diego Godin's header from a corner and Federico Valverde's late long-range effort.

  • Team news

Portugal

Midfielder-turned-centre-back Danilo Pereira will miss Portugal's second group match after suffering three fractured ribs in their opening win.

The Paris Saint-Germain man could also be ruled out of the final group game with South Korea, with Santos likely to turn to veteran defender Pepe for cover.

The 2016 European Champions did not put in their best showing against Ghana as they were fortunate to escape conceding through Diogo Costa's late blunder.

However, they looked in greater control of the tie when William Carvalho was introduced early on in the second half.

The Real Betis midfielder could be handed a start alongside goalscorer Leao who gave them a different dynamic in attack with his raw pace.

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Uruguay

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo will once again miss out after undergoing thigh surgery before the start of the tournament.

It is unsure when the centre-back is likely to return, but Jose Gimenez and Godin will fill in during the meantime.

Alonso has a decision to make, as veteran striker Luis Suarez looked like a shadow of his former self in their opening game.

The former Liverpool, Ajax and Athletico Madrid forward could be replaced by experienced goalscorer Edinson Cavani, with either likely to be flanked by Darwin Nunez and Facundo Pellistri.

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  • Likely lineups 

Portugal

(4-3-3) Costa, Guerreiro, Dias, Pepe, Cancelo, Carvalho, Neves, Fernandes, Silva, Ronaldo, Felix

Uruguay

(4-3-3) Rochet, Caceres, Godin, Gimenez, Olivera, Valverde, Vecino, Bentancur, Pellistri, Cavani, Nunez

  • Key players

Bruno Fernandes

The attacking midfielder put himself at the top of the assists charts for the tournament with two in their opening victory.

But the Manchester United midfielder will hope for better movement ahead of him as they face a more stubborn Uruguay defence.

At times the Portuguese looked devoid of any attacking fluidity and this should be something Santos looks at ahead of their second match.

Fernandes will be key to any sort of momentum they have in the final third.

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Darwin Nunez

Liverpool's summer signing has five Premier League goals to his name so far and will be looking to make his mark on the world stage.

The forward joined the Reds from Benfica for a club-record fee and has impressed so far.

Despite largely starting in a central position for his club, Nunez is utilised on the wings for his national team.

With Cavani tipped to start in the central position there should be no excuse for Alonso's side not to score for the second-consecutive group game.

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  • Match details

Where is the game being played?

The game will be played at Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off is set for 7pm (GMT UK) on Monday, November 28.

How can I watch it?

In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on ITV, with audio commentary available on both BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.