Uruguay vs. Portugal: 5 key matchups

Uruguay take on Portugal at the Fisht Stadium on Saturday. Here are five key match ups which could decide the result.

Uruguay and Portugal will meet at the World Cup for the first time on Saturday. The sides qualified from their groups in contrasting fashion with Uruguay winning all three of their matches without conceding and Portugal scraping through after a nervy draw with Iran. All form goes out the window in the knockout stages though and it will all come down to who wants it most. Here are five match ups who could make the difference.

Fernando Muslera vs. Rui Patricio

Both Uruguay and Portugal pack some heavy firepower in attack so the nations’ respective goalkeepers will have their work cut out for them on Saturday. Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera has been one of the standout ‘keepers at the tournament thus far and kept clean sheets in all three of their group stage matches. With over 100 appearances to his name, he will need to call on all of his experience to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio has also impressed and drew comparisons to legendary goalkeeper Gordan Banks in his man of the match performance against Morocco. The new Wolves signing has not been distracted by controversy surrounding him at club level and has been solid in goal for the reigning European champions. He did ship three goals against Spain though and will need to be at his best to deny the combination of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

Edinson Cavani vs. Pepe

The battle between Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani and Portugal defender Pepe will be one to keep an eye on. Cavani, who often finds himself in the shadow of strike partner Suarez, is a prolific forward in his own right and opened his account in Uruguay’s victory of hosts Russia. The PSG strikers boasts strength and movement and will pose a threat to Portugal’s back line and in particular to veteran defender Pepe.

The 35-year old was found out by the physicality of Diego Costa in Portugal’s opening round draw with Spain and has struggled with pace in subsequent matches. He will have his hands full with both aspects on Saturday in his attempts to nullify Cavani. The former Real Madrid star remains Portugal’s best and most consistent defender though and retains the ability to dominate opposition. He will need to find that form if he is to stop Cavani.

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Matias Vecino vs. William Carvalho

It is often said that soccer matches are won in midfield. Matias Vecino and William Carvalho are two players in the center of the park who can do just that. Neither player is a frequent goalscorer or creative wizard but they both play a fundamental role in the way their respective nations play.

Both Vecino and Carvalho are imposing figures with the tenacity to get stuck in but it is the shared ability to read and disrupt play that makes them so important for their sides. They are also good on the ball and possess the control and vision to turn defense into attack after winning possession. The star names in front of them might get the plaudits but the match may well be decided by whichever of the two is able to take control of the midfield.

Luis Suarez vs. Cristiano Ronaldo

Rivals for club and now rivals for country, Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo will go head-to-head when their sides meet on Saturday. In what will be a coming together of two bona fide superstars, the pair are the likeliest of the players on the pitch to decide the fixture.

Suarez made a slow start at the World Cup this year but still scored two of Uruguay’s five goals during the group stages, including one on his 100th international appearance. He netted the only goal in a win over Saudi Arabia and was instrumental in the victory over hosts Russia, leading Uruguay to top their group.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand hit the ground running with a hat-trick against Spain and the winner against Morocco. He missed a penalty in final group match against Iran but heads into the match against Uruguay in hot form.

Options from the bench

Both managers have strong attacking options from the bench if their chosen elevens can’t get the job done. Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez has the luxury of calling on Cristhian Stuani or Maxi Gomez who both excelled in Spain in the last season. The pair scored more than 30 league goals between them.

Portugal boss Fernando Santos has more of a dilemma in choosing his best side to start but – assuming Bernardo Silva and Ricardo Quaresma get the nod – will have the option of bringing on the likes of Goncalo Guedes and Andre Silva.