World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Portugal lost 2-1 to Uruguay

#2 Portugal had no answer for the Uruguayan press

Uruguay's press caused grave problems to Portugal

Though Edinson Cavani was the difference between the two sides, all 11 Uruguayan players deserve credit for their tireless performance. A 4-4-2 diamond led Uruguay to crowd the midfield against Portugal and helped them regain possession on numerous occasions.

Portugal used an attacking right-back, Ricardo Pereira, to help Bernardo Silva drift inside and create chances. But Silva was never given time or space when in possession to create anything meaningful despite having over 100 touches in the game.

Even when playing out from the back, the Uruguayans were brilliantly positioned which forced Portugal to go route one. The industrious Lucas Torreira in midfield was the star of Uruguay's off the ball movement.

On the other hand, Portugal never pressed as a unit which always gave Uruguay enough time to construct a counter attack. Ronaldo and his men failed to adapt to Uruguay's insane work rate which led them to down their tools on the biggest of stages.