JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – Portugal need a must-win against Uzbekistan in Group K of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 00.00 WIB, or the risk of elimination becomes very real. Uzbekistan are no easy opponent after proving that by scoring against Colombia.
The game at Houston Stadium could become one of the most dramatic nights in Group K. Five players will shape where the result ends up.
Ronaldo: A Historic Night or a Frustrating One?
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, looked flat in the opening match against DR Congo. Ninety minutes, no goals, and just 25 touches — his lowest figure for a player who played more than 70 minutes in 43 major tournament matches.
But the stakes make it impossible for him to take it easy. One more goal and Ronaldo becomes the first player in history to score at six different World Cups. An all-time record that no one will match anytime soon.
The problem is service. Uzbekistan play with a back three, so space in the box will be tighter than usual. Aerial duels with Ashurmatov and Khusanov will be a serious test. If Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha keep feeding quality balls, Ronaldo only has to finish. Prediction: one goal, four shots on target.
Bruno Fernandes: The Brain That Must Sharpen Up
Bruno Fernandes is Portugal’s attacking engine. Against DR Congo, he was the most active shooter, but the accuracy was still far from ideal, with two key passes and no assist.
Against Uzbekistan’s compact 3-5-2 block, Bruno needs to be braver from outside the box and smarter with through balls to Joao Felix and Conceicao. If Uzbekistan stay tight in the middle, he has to drift wide to pull defenders out of position.
Simply put: if Bruno goes cold, Portugal stall. If Bruno is on fire, the front line can feast.
Vitinha: Passing Record and a Set-Piece Weapon
The PSG midfielder is Portugal’s best player without much of the spotlight. In the opener, Vitinha completed 121 passes, a Portugal World Cup record, and scored the team’s first goal against DR Congo.
His job tonight: control the tempo, anchor the build-up, and make Uzbekistan tired of chasing the ball. One interesting detail: Uzbekistan conceded twice from set pieces against Colombia. Vitinha, who can also take free kicks, has a gap to exploit.
Vitinha’s stability alongside Rúben Neves in the pivot is also key if Portugal want to avoid quick counterattacks.
Shomurodov: A Target Man Who Can Punish You
Eldor Shomurodov, Uzbekistan’s captain who plays in Serie A with Cagliari, is the most dangerous player in Fabio Cannavaro’s front line. His experience in Italy means he understands how to face European defenders, including Ruben Dias and Araujo.
Against Colombia, he kept dropping deep to collect the ball, acting as a target man before laying it off to Fayzullaev and Urunov on the wings. Uzbekistan’s plan is patient: wait, then strike on the break, and Shomurodov is the spearhead of that counterattack.
Give him one moment of space, and he can punish Portugal immediately. Prediction: three shots, one on target, with goal-scoring potential.
Fayzullaev: The 22-Year-Old Making History
Abbosbek Fayzullaev is the name that gives Uzbekistan belief. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 60th minute against Colombia.
His pace and one-on-one dribbling are a serious threat to Cancelo and Dalot, both of whom like to push forward. If Portugal focus too much on the center, Fayzullaev can cut in from wide areas and open a lane.
Stamina is not a problem for him. He can run the full 90 minutes while also helping defensively in Cannavaro’s 3-5-2 setup. His link-up with Urunov in transition could leave one or two Portugal defenders scrambling. Potential: one assist or a surprise goal.
Martinez vs Cannavaro Tactically
Beyond the players, this is also a battle between two coaches facing very different problems.
Roberto Martinez has to break down a compact low block. Cannavaro, the former world-class defender, must make sure his side does not panic like it did early against Colombia.
Whoever wins the tactical battle tonight walks away with three points.
Portugal are far superior in individual quality. But if Ronaldo stays quiet again, Bruno remains blunt, and Fayzullaev is left free, Uzbekistan still have enough weapons to steal a surprise result in Houston.
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