Portugal v Uzbekistan predictions: Martinez to get a response from Selecao
Enda McElhinney
Both teams have scored in nine of Portugal's last 12 World Cup matches
Uzbekistan have lost three successive matches and won just two of their last eight
Recommended bet: Nuno Mendes to score or assist @ 13/5 with LiveScore Bet
Portugal were tipped by many as major contenders to win the World Cup this summer, but the Roberto Martinez-led side are already under pressure after failing to defeat DR Congo in their Group K opener.
That game at the NRG Stadium was characterised by Portugal's inability to turn possession into clear-cut chances. They had 75 per cent of the ball over the 90 minutes but managed just one shot on target.
Uzbekistan made their World Cup debut in a 3-1 loss against Colombia in Mexico City.
Led by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, they got plenty of men behind the ball but offered a threat going forward and got on level terms after an hour before their South American rivals regained the initiative.
Matters weren't settled until the ninth minute of added time when Jaminton Campaz made it 3-1 for Colombia.
The latest Portugal vs Uzbekistan odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Ruben Dias sat out Portugal's opener after picking up a knock, but the Manchester City defender could be drafted in here.
Plenty of focus will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, whose performance against the Congolese was heavily criticised in many quarters. The 41-year-old is something of a conundrum for Martinez, given his iconic status but his waning powers.
Defender Rustam Ashurmatov went off injured late on in Uzbekistan's defeat to Colombia and will be assessed, with Jakhongir Urozov likely to deputise.
Otherwise, it is likely to be as you were for Cannavaro's selection.
The stats
Portugal have won 10 of their last 14 games, with three draws and just a single loss.
Uzbekistan lost both warm-up games to Canada and the Netherlands before going down 3-1 to Colombia.
Cannavaro's side have conceded 12 goals in seven games in 2026, with just one clean sheet.
After winning the Nations League last summer, Portugal scored 20 goals in six qualifiers to secure their World Cup place.
Both teams have scored in Portugal's last three games and in five of Uzbekistan's previous seven.
This is Portugal's ninth World Cup and only once before have they failed to win either of their first two games at the tournament.
The latest Portugal vs Uzbekistan odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
The Portuguese need a response following a really insipid start to their World Cup challenge in this stadium against DR Congo.
They dominated possession but the African side contained them, as the Selecao landed just one shot on target from seven attempted.
A reaction is required and they will have to work hard to break down an Uzbek side well drilled by boss Cannavaro. They got bodies behind the ball and frustrated Colombia for long spells.
The Ronaldo conundrum is a major issue for Martinez now, as the veteran was a peripheral figure in that opening DR Congo contest.
Portugal should make amends, given the quality of attacking talent in their squad.
Wing-back Nuno Mendes had four goals and five assists in just 20 outings for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 in the 2025-26 season, while he also twice found the net in the Champions League in a season interrupted by injury.
He has six touches in the DR Congo penalty box and three crosses into the danger area. With his side likely to dominate again, he's worth backing to score or assist.
Score prediction: Portugal 2-0 Uzbekistan
Back Nuno Mendes to score or assist at 13/5 with LiveScore Bet
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