FIFA World Cup 1st Knockout Round Preview

Uruguay vs Portugal

Up for it!

Uruguay enter the Knockout rounds as one of the only three teams to have won all three of their group fixtures. While it could be argued that they had an easy group, but its the world cup and there are no easy matches.

Uruguay boast of some very tricky and explosive wingers and a lethal front line led by Suarez and Cavani. Their attacking midfielder Carlos Andres Sanchez has pulled the strings from the midfield and has very ably assisted the Uruguayan strike force.

While all the focus has been on the Uruguayan attack, it is their defense which has quietly stolen the show by not letting in even a single goal in the World Cup so far, the only team of the 32 to have done so.

The Uruguayan defense will be put to the test when they come up against the hottest football star in the world right now - Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo has very ably led the attack for his country scoring four goals in the tournament so far, including a hat-trick to secure a draw for his side against one of the pre-tournament favorites Spain.

Despite Ronaldo's heroic efforts, Portugal didn't exactly have a easy ride through their group and could even have been eliminated had Iran converted a gilt edged opportunity in the final minutes of their group fixture against Portugal.

There is no doubt that Ronaldo has been firing on all cylinders, but Portugal's chance hinge almost too much on Ronaldo's form.

Ronaldo is more than capable of winning the game on his own, but if he is kept quiet or has an off day then Portugal could struggle.

Expect the game to be a tight affair with both teams taking a cautious approach. Uruguay will keep a close watch on Ronaldo and expect Ronaldo to be man marked right through the game.

Result - If Ronaldo is on top of his game then Portugal should win, but on the down side Portugal's over-reliance on Ronaldo could also be an issue. Unlike Portugal, Uruguay pose multiple threats and have a very solid defense to back up their strong attack. Its tough to call, but Uruguay currently seem the team more likely to win this fixture.