Portugal Team News
Ricardo Quaresma made a big impact in place of ineffective Bernardo Silva against Iran, scoring the opening goal – a brilliant, curling strike from distance with the outside of his foot – and should retain his place against Uruguay. Bernardo Silva has failed to live up to his performances with Manchester City last season. Andre and Adrien Silva also came into the starting line-up against Iran but Goncalo Guedes and Joao Moutinho – who they replaced – were both brought on as late substitutes.
Portugal Key Players
Cristiano Ronaldo (striker) – His missed penalty against Iran was a rare blip at a World Cup in which he has already scored a hat-trick against Spain and become the top-scoring European international footballer of all time with his goal against Morocco.
Ricardo Quaresma (winger) – Experienced winger wound backs the clock to score a brilliant goal in the draw with Iran.
Jose Fonte (center-back) – Together with Pepe, Fonte will be tasked with keeping Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani under wraps.
Portugal Group stage round-up
Portugal 3-3 Spain
Portugal 1-0 Morocco
Portugal 1-1 Iran
Portugal Team Form
Portugal has drawn four of their last six matches, including the two draws in the group stage. They also drew with Tunisia, despite leading 2-0, and that was followed by a goalless draw with Belgium. Aside from beating Morocco, Portugal’s only other win in their last six games was a 3-0 defeat of Algeria – courtesy of Goncalo Guedes’ double – in their final World Cup warm-up match