Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and the confirmed lineups for Portugal vs Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium, in an 18:00 GMT kick-off on June 23. It’s a must-win for both teams, with the Portuguese understandably starting as the heavy pre-game favourites.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan, Team News and Confirmed Lineups
Portugal Team News
Tomas Araujo will be the only Portuguese player missing, with Ruben Dias returning after missing the first game against DR Congo.
Martinez spoke to the press about the focus in his squad, while addressing the criticism they have received after the first game:
“We are strong and focused,” Martinez said. “And our group is even more united than before. It is a process. Tension is not part of our team.
“It’s normal to have criticism after a poor result. Sometimes it’s unfair or negative, but it is not part of how we prepare.”
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Revealing his confidence in his team, Martinez said:
“The feeling of disappointment is one we all have as a team,” Martinez said. “Tomorrow I do feel like we will have a team that will be ready to perform for 90 minutes at the level we have,” added the Portuguese manager.
Uzbekistan Team News
Uzbekistan have no reported injury concerns, and as one of the four debutants at the tournament, they will be eager to cause a huge shock.
Their manager, former Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro, said: “As I have always said, we have nothing to lose.”
“Portugal always like to control the game. They will start in a very good way; they want to play fast. We will be prepared for that.
“We have our strategy. I know we are going to face a very good team. We will try to do our best and stay in the game until the end.
“I asked my team to play with more fighting spirit than against Colombia, but we cannot just run around stupidly everywhere.”
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Portugal Confirmed Lineup
This section will be updated once the lineup is confirmed.
Uzbekistan Confirmed Lineup
This section will be updated once the lineup is confirmed.
Featured Image Credit:
REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
