PREVIEW: Portugal look to keep World Cup hopes alive against debutants Uzbekistan | OneFootball

Portugal face World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in their second Group K match at Houston Stadium in Texas this evening. Roberto Martinez’s side enter the match on the back of a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening group fixture.

Portugal have never faced Uzbekistan in international football; however, the outcome of this match will be crucial, as if Portugal want to progress to the Round of 32, they will almost certainly need a win against Uzbekistan tonight.

Portugal have won four of their last six matches across all competitions, with the remaining two ending in draws. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan enter the clash following a 3-1 loss against Colombia in their opening match, leaving them bottom of Group K.

Despite the defeat, Uzbekistan made history by scoring their first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup and will now be aiming to go one better and achieve their first-ever win at the tournament.

If they lose against Portugal, they will face early elimination from the competition should Colombia also defeat the Congo DR in their fixture. Uzbekistan have only won two of their last six matches across all competitions, with the remaining three ending in losses.

The match will kick off at 6pm BST and will be broadcast live on ITV 1.