The group stage of the Qatar World Cup started on November 29 in the morning, Beijing time. Portugal and Uruguay, the two most expensive teams in Group H, will face off.
Background of the Match:
This match is crucial for both teams. Uruguay defeated South Korea while Portugal defeated Ghana in a just thrilling 3-2 victory in their opening match.
Portugal’s team is valued at 760 million dollars in total, far exceeding Uruguay’s 400 million dollars. Uruguay is ranked 14th and Portugal is ranked 9th in the most recent FIFA rankings.
At this World Cup, there are a lot of fans who support Uruguay Along with veteran players like Godin, Martinez, Caceres, and Cavani, the team also features young players like Valverde, Nunez, and other players who have developed into the team’s core players.
Portugal is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract with Manchester United was recently terminated, needs to establish himself during the World Cup stage. Fruit should be ready to be picked on this Portugal side.
The disadvantage for Portugal team: Danilo Pereira, a defensive stalwart, has been sidelined due to a fractured rib.
Match analysis:
Portugal, with superior technical ability, dominated the field from the start. Portugal played aggressively and appeared to be eager to break the deadlock.
Ronaldo’s performance remains active; he did not focus on his own shot, but instead became a front fulcrum. Carvalho’s powerful volley and Fei’s clever shot, both from Ronaldo’s pass, came less than five minutes into the match. Once with each shoulder and once with each head.
In the face of a barrage of Portuguese attacks, Uruguay’s performed passively and Uruguay’s 3-5-2 formation was forced to change to 5-3-2.
How sluggish was Uruguay’s play? Players are having trouble reaching the ball. After 25 minutes of play, Uruguay only held 25% of the possession ball. Uruguay finally caught its breath after 30 minutes. Even after two players charged into the penalty area, Bentankul’s plan was intercepted by Costa in the face of the attacking goalkeeper.
The extremely active Mendes pulled a muscle in the 40th minute, dealing Portugal a severe blow. Mendes hid his frustrated tears as he was lifted off the ground.
After the break, neither of the two teams scores. When Portugal attacked down the left in the 54th minute, Bruno delivered a 45-degree cross that Ronaldo received, rising high and flicking his head into the goal.
Ronaldo and Bruno hugged after the score was changed before raising their arms and shouting in celebration. Portugal has a 1 score first. Ronaldo was initially given credit for the goal by FIFA. Five minutes later, FIFA reversed its decision, stating that Bruno had scored and Ronaldo had not touched the ball.
Finally awakening, Uruguay launched a furious attack while trailing. A ball like full moon cutlass from the Gomez penalty area line struck the goal post with great force. In the 76th minute, Suarez missed another opportunity for Uruguay when he made a quick stop close to the penalty area before firing a hard shot into the side netting.
After a VAR tip, the referee reviewed the play and decided that Jimenez had handballed in the 90th minute, awarding Portugal a penalty kick, which Bruno scored. Ultimately, Uruguay’s assault was unsuccessful. Bruno scored twice as Portugal defeated Uruguay 2-0.
Portugal qualified early with two wins after two matches. Uruguay, who has one draw and one loss, will face off against Ghana in the final round and will qualify for next around only if defeat Ghana.