Four teams would appear tonight for two knock out matches. Three of them were past world cup winners: Uruguay twice, Argentina twice and France once. Only Portugal the current European Champion have not won before. Not even their golden generation of Rui Costa, Luis Figo, Paulo Futre, Dico Nani could not win them any. The country which once seen an all time great Eusebio now possess a person named Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (CR7) who along with Lionel Messi are head and shoulder above the rest playing the game now.
This Portugese team tonight would lock horn with another great team from South America Uruguay which also have some of the great players now sparkling in football leagues in different countries. Uruguay topped the group A securing maximum 9 points from three matches. Portugal from the group of death B finished behind Spain. Though Portugal plays a mix of Oriental and Occidental style of football it will be a derby of touch artists against competent worksmen. I am sure this match is going to witness fascinating contest. Depending on what CR7 appear today it will be any body’s game. Ronaldo single handed carried his team on his shoulder to this stage.
This will be the first-ever official meeting between the teams at a World Cup, but two sides did play in a friendly in 1966 which Portugal won 3-0, and then they drew 1-1 in a match in 1972 in the Brazil Independence Cup.
Uruguay has won two FIFA World Cups, including the 1st ever World Cup in 1930 as hosts, beating Argentina 4–2 in the final. They won their second title in 1950, upsetting hosts Brazil 2–1 in the final match. For several years since then Uruguay just lost that flair a bit. The team has qualified for 12 World Cups, reaching the second round in all but three, the semi-finals five times and the finals twice. They also won the gold medals in Olympic football twice, in 1924 and 1928, before the creation of the World Cup. They also won the 1980 Mundialito, a tournament among former World Cup champions hosted in Uruguay in 1980 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first World Cup. Uruguay is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won 19 official titles: 2 FIFA World Cup, 2 Olympic Games and 15 Copa América.
Uruguay was placed in Group A alongside host Russia, Egyot from Africa and Saudi Arabia from Asia. They did not particularly impressive against Egypt and Saudi Arabia winning both matches 1-0. But they looked to get back their sweet touch against high flying host Russia humbling them 3-0.
Portugal have played 6 times in World Cup finals. They appeared first in 1966 when they reached semi final. Perhaps soccer pundits remember the all time famous match Portugal Vs North Korea when Portugal trailing 0-3 won 5-3. All time great Eusebio scored 4 including hattrick. Portugal finished third. Their other notable achievement was in 2006 finishing fourth. This time is their 7th appearance. They are the current European Champions. In Group B they were placed with European giant Spain, African team Morocco and Asian team Iran. Ronaldo magic made them survive in a classic encounter against Spain 3-3. CR7 scored a hattrick. His dyining minutes equalizer from a classic free kick would be shown million of times world over. However Portugal was lucky to win against Morocco 1-0 and definitely survived by the skin of the teeth against Iran 1-1. Hope this hardened them for battle royal tonight.
Uruguay Squad:
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera, Martin Silva, MartinCampana.
Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Gaston Silva, Sbastain Coates, Jose Maria Gimenez, Martin Caceres, Diego Godin and MaxPereiria,
Mid Fielders :Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Diego Laxait, NathianNandez, Rodrigo Bentancur , Carlos Saunchez, Jonathan Urretaviscaya , Lucas Torreira, Christan Rodriguez
Forwards: EdinsonCavani, Luis Suarez, ChristainStauni and Maxi Gomez
Urugay Coach: ÓscarTabárez
Uruguay is very aggressive team depend on attacking through the wings. Suarez, Cavani and Gomez are excellent marksmen. Very strong and hard working mid field keeps the forwards feeding all the time. Uruguay has not conceded any goal yet in this world cup. Oscar Tabrez is a great tactician. We are sure he will restrict the operating zone of CR7.
Portugal Squad:
Goal Keepers: Rui Patricio, Anthony Lopez and Beto
Defenders :Bruno Alves, Cedric Soares, Jose Fonte, Mario Rui , Pepe, Raphael Guerrriro,Ricardo Pereira, Rubel Dias, Adrian Silva,
Midfielders: Joao Mario, Joao Moutinho, Manuel, Fernades, WillaimCravalho, Andre Silva, Bernanado Silva,
Forwards:Christiano Ronaldo, GelsonMartina , Goncalo Guedes and Ricardo Quaesma
Portugal have whole list of quality attacking players specially their traditional wingers with the likes of Andre Silva and GonçaloGuedes who will be hoping to replace the likes of Nani and Quaresma in the near future. Andre Silva is likely to start upfront with Ronaldo, Bernando Silva and Nani supporting in attack. While two of the three William Carvallho, Jao Mario and JaoMoutinho should take the central midfield roles.
Like the other match of the night it will also witness a fascinating contest of two equally matched teams. If CR7 is a brilliant all round player Suarez is a grey hound in search of goal. Hope he does not bite anyone.
My prediction Uruguay wins 3-2 .
BDST: 1342 HRS, JUN 30, 2018
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