Portugal fell flat in their opening match at the World Cup.
Os Navegadores started out strong against DR Congo and got a crucial early goal, but the Congolese snapped into form from there and took the game to Portugal for much of the match. Les Léopards were disciplined, but not timid, in defense, and they were a real threat in transition.
A 1-1 draw probably flattered Portugal more than it did DR Congo.
Roberto Martinez will demand a response from his side, which was priced as one of the favorites to win the tournament before the match.
Portugal will face another determined defensive side, Uzbekistan, in Houston on Tuesday.
Uzbekistan did not make life easy on Colombia in their opening match. The White Wolves deployed an incredibly defensive posture, sitting in a 5-4-1 and trying to outlast Los Cafeteros rather than outscore them.
It almost worked.
Uzbekistan equalized the match right after halftime, but they didn’t show any real impetus to get forward from that point forward. They eventually cracked, and Colombia came out as 3-1 winners.
That match, played in poor weather and at high altitude, provided perfect conditions for an underdog to dig deep, but the Uzbeks just couldn’t keep a lid on things.
It will be much more difficult against Portugal, especially since Os Navegadores will be chomping at the bit to get back on the field.
Portugal was methodical and patient against DR Congo, but that was a product of the threat that Les Léopards showed in transition. Uzbekistan just doesn’t have the same attacking punch or the transitional speed that DR Congo had.
Martinez should have Portugal playing a much more attacking style of soccer against Uzbekistan, knowing the risk of getting punished on the counter is just not that great.
Portugal were disappointing in their opening match, but they should play with much more freedom and attacking imagination against Uzbekistan.
Bet on a rout.
The Play: Portugal -2.5 goals (+146, FanDuel)
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
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