Group stage · Group K · #45
Portugal v Uzbekistan
NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
The goals, minute by minute
- 6'Cristiano RonaldoGoal · 1-0
- 17'Nuno MendesGoal · 2-0
- 39'Cristiano RonaldoGoal · 3-0
- 60'Abduvohid NematovOwn goal · 4-0
- 87'Rafael LeãoGoal · 5-0
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Portugal (6th FIFA) vs Uzbekistan (50th FIFA)
Level of the teams
- Portugal: 2025 Nations League champion, top squad (Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo). Heavy group favorite.
- Uzbekistan: World Cup debutant, physical and organized, but well below in pedigree.
Key factors
- Huge gap in ranking and squad quality in Portugal's favor.
- Portugal wants points to secure top spot in the group.
- Uzbekistan will bet on defending and the counterattack.
Prediction
Most likely result: 3-0 Portugal (alternative: 2-0 Portugal)
- Portugal win: 80%
- Draw: 14%
- Uzbekistan win: 6%
Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, reference and goals at his 6th World Cup.
Final verdict, Confidence: high
Portugal is far superior in every area and should win comfortably. Barring an upset, it will control the game against a limited Uzbekistan.