A true David vs Goliath clash at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Tuesday sees FIFA World Cup debutants Uzbekistan tackle a Portugal side fancied by many to go the distance this summer.
Touted as one of the pre-tournament favourites, much was expected of Portugal in this tournament, but their opener was a little anticlimactic as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. The Portuguese are now playing catch-up as far as winning the group goes, and those hopes could be completely extinguished on matchday two if they fail to win, although only once in history have they ever failed to win their opening two matches at a World Cup.
The reigning UEFA Nations League champions at least have some solid form to fall back on, as they’ve only lost one of their last 14 internationals (W10, D3), but winning only one of their last four matches at World Cup finals is sure to keep feet firmly on the floor.
Uzbekistan’s history-making day on matchday one ended unceremoniously as they were beaten 3-1 by Colombia. The extended format of this season’s competition means that the Uzbeks are still in with a shout of progressing, but that will require them to snap a three-game losing streak that is threatening to see them bow out of the World Cup with a whimper.
Rediscovering the kind of form which saw them lose just one of their 18 matches prior would be a great way to start, and they can take some encouragement into this game after recording the highest xG tally of an Asian side on their World Cup debut in their match against Colombia (1.16) since Kuwait in 1982.
These two sides have never met before, and despite their heavy favouritism, Portugal have won neither of their last two games against nations from the AFC confederation.
