Chris Boline
- Portugal v Uruguay
- Sunday, November 28, 2022, 14:00 ET
- At Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail
Who do Bettors Favor?
As we can see from the best-rated online sportsbooks, bettors are favoring Portugal in this clash of the big guns in Group H. Ronaldo and co are rated as -105 to win this game, while Uruguay are considered to be +320 chances. And if you think the draw looks a good option, that is available at +240.
| Portugal v Urugual |  |  |  |
| Portugal | -108 | -105 | -105 |
| Draw | +250 | +240 | +240 |
| Uruguay | +345 | +310 | +320 |
World Cup Group H Betting Briefing
This World Cup Group has one of the most fascinating combinations of football styles in the competition, and all four teams will have realistic hopes of reaching the quarter-finals at least.
Portugal were European Champions not long ago, and their team is arguably stronger now, with an array of attacking talent. That was on full display in their opening game against Ghana, although that game also highlighted the risks inherent in pushing too hard against rivals who cannot be underestimated.
Uruguay were not at their best in their opening game against South Korea, but they showed what fierce competitors they can be, while the Koreans provided the kind of energetic performance that will always make them tough opponents. Adding extra intrigue to this Group is the fact that the winners here will avoid Brazil in the Round of 16.
Portugal Break the Shackles
The big criticism of Portugal going into this tournament was that their manager, Fernando Santos, the architect of that Euro 2016 success, was too cautious to make the most of the attacking talent that he had at his disposal in a squad that included Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao alongside the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo.
So, it was refreshing to see Portugal take the game to Ghana in their opener and although they ended up hanging on after a late error late their opponents back into the game, their three second-half goals suggested that Santos has found a way to break the shackles and unleash his squad’s potential.
Taking on Uruguay is a very different kind of threat, however. Not only will the South Americans make it a lot harder for Portugal to find any fluency in their attacking play, they will also pose more of a threat at the other end, so further errors of the kind that almost cost them two points against Ghana will be punished.
Battling Uruguay Offer a Threat
Uruguay’s reputation as a physical and difficult team to play against has often been well deserved but it has also sometimes sold their talent short.
Based on their opening game against South Korea, they will once again pose a physical threat in this tournament but they failed to register a shot on target, while ensuring that their opponents did the same, and were left feeling frustrated at only picking up a point.
Uruguay have one of the best squads in the tournament but are at a disadvantage because manager Diego Alonso has only had control of the team for nine games. It is not ideal for a head coach to be finalizing his best team during a World Cup, but Alonso is not far away from getting the right combination.
He certainly has plenty to work with. Diego Godin, Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, and Martin Caceres are all experienced international stars of the highest quality, while there are a number of talented young players keen to make a name for themselves on the biggest stage of all.
World Cup Group H Match Betting Pick
There is enough talent in both of these squads to produce a classic World Cup encounter here, and neutrals will be hoping that caution doesn’t win the day.
Portugal has the edge in creativity and midfield elegance, but Uruguay’s steely defense is complemented by some dangerous attacking personalities who thrive in the big games, and if they are given free rein to attack, they can pose a serious threat to the Portuguese defense.
Then of course, there is Cristiano Ronaldo. Against Ghana he became the first man to score a goal at five different World Cups, an astonishing feat. This will be his last World Cup, and it would be a fitting achievement for this modern great to claim the glittering golden trophy.
These two teams look well matched and although Uruguay are off the pace in the race to win the Group, a point here followed by victory in their final game against Ghana would be more than enough to take them through. In what should hopefully be an entertaining game, the draw looks the best pick.
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