Portugal and Uzbekistan will be looking to move on from poor results in their opening matches at the World Cup.
Against DR Congo, Portugal were overwhelming favourites to secure all three points, but Roberto Martinez's men never really capitalised after taking an early lead through a Joao Neves header.
The African side equalised just before the break and eventually held out for a 1-1 draw.
Uzbekistan made their World Cup debut against Colombia and acquitted themselves well - with just under 30 minutes to go, the scores were level at 1-1.
Luis Diaz and Jaminto Campaz both scored in the final 25 minutes, though, to ensure Colombia won their first match at the finals since 2018.
Portugal v Uzbekistan Tips Summary
Best Bet - Over 2.5 goals @ 4/7
Alternative Bet - Both teams to score @ 5/4
Bet Builder - Portugal to score in both halves, Eldor Shomurodov 1+ shot on target & Abduqodir Khusanov 1+ fouls committed @ 9/2
Portugal v Uzbekistan Prediction
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/7
Two goals were scored in the first half of Portugal;s opening Group K clash with DR Congo and it looked as though there would be a few more after the break.
Across 13 matches dating back to the Nations League Finals last June, three or more goals have been scored in eight of those Selecao matches.
Five of the White Wolves' last seven games have also featured three or more goals and, with both teams knowing a win is imperative in this match, expect there to be plenty of chances throughout the 90 minutes.
If Martinez can somehow get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled during the opener, this could be a massive factor for Portugal and he will be desperate to add to his eight World Cup goals.
Alternative Bet: Both teams to score @ 5/4
Having taken an early lead in their first game, it appeared as though Portugal would kick on and score a few more before the break.
It didn’t quite materialise, however, and DR Congo had their fair share of chances. Indeed, Sebastien Desabre's side even registered eight shots to Portugal's seven throughout the entire game and could have had a second goal if it weren't for some wayward finishing.
Uzbekistan might have gained some confidence from their result, although a positive start must be the goal in order to try and stifle Portugal early.
Both teams have scored in four of Portugal's previous six matches, with Armenia and Chile both finding the back of the net against the European powerhouses.
For Uzbekistan, this bet would have landed in five of their last seven international matches.
Fabio Cannavaro knows that his side have more than enough firepower to cause Portugal problems in the final third, but defensively the White Wolves have struggled in recent matches.
As such, odds of 5/4 represent good value on both teams finding the back of the net.
Portugal v Uzbekistan Bet Builder Tips
Portugal to score in both halves
Eldor Shomurodov 1+ shot on target
Abduqodir Khusanov 1+ fouls committed
Pays 9/2
Given that Portugal have arguably one of the finest squads at the World Cup, failing to secure all three points against DR Congo was a major disappointment.
With that in mind, expect Martinez to alter his tactics and go all out to seal three points and all but seal a place in the knockout stages.
Ronaldo and co should come out all guns blazing and grab another early goal, while also scoring in the second half of the tie.
Cannavaro will be relying on captain and talisman Eldor Shomurodov to lead Uzbekistan's charge. The striker manged a shot on target against Colombia but didn't find the back of the net.
Portugal's defence can be breached, so expect Shomurodov to test goalkeeper Diogo Costa here.
Manchester City defender Abduqodir Khusanov struggled in large spells against a vibrant Colombian attack, committing three fouls during the game and winning just two of his six ground duels.
Considering he is going to be up against Ronaldo, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto and Bruno Fernandes throughout the game, back him to commit at least one foul in the 90 minutes.
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Key Match Stats
This will be the first meeting between Portugal and Uzbekistan
Portugal have won three of their six matches against Asian opponents at the World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in Portugal's second match at a World Cup on three separate occasions
Uzbekistan last defeated a UEFA nation back in 2022 (2-0 over Kazakhstan)
Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro won the World Cup in 2006 as captain of Italy
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
