Key posts
Cavani a proven scorer
Some people might be questioning why a talent such as Luis Suarez could be starting on the bench for Uruguay but Darwin Nunez is a rising star for his nation while Edinson Canani has an esrecord at World Cup level with five goals from 15 games.
Cavani has scored five goals in 15 games.
The two teams are on the park with kickoff due at 6am AEDT.
A Uruguay fan shows his colours.Credit:AP
Portugal fans soaking up action pregame
A fan shows some love for Cristiano Ronaldo.Credit:AP
Portugal fans soak up the atmosphere in the stadium.Credit:Getty Images
Suarez out but Cavani, Nunez up front for Uruguay
Uruguay has named a side with plenty of scoring options with Edison Cavani joining Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez up front while Real Madrid midfielder turned winger Federico Valverde who has starred for the Spanish giants this season.
Cavani’s promotion means veteran superstar Luis Suarez will start on the bench after starting in the opening game, Cavani has had an injury concern but now is back to fitness.
I’m interested to see how attacking they allow Valverde to be as he is capable of pushing forward or playing a more conservative midfield role.
Ronaldo, Silva, Fernandes all locked in for Portugal
Portugal has named an ominous starting 11 for this morning’s game led by Cristiano Ronaldo with Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes among the creative players looking to feed the veteran goalscorer.
Souttar blocking out tranfer news
Vince Rugari in Qatar has been tracking news out of the Socceroos’ camp.
Man of the moment Harry Souttar is generating interest from Premier League clubs, but he’s trying to stay focused on Australia’s Thursday morning clash with Denmark.
What you missed if you were sleeping
The first two games overnight were cracking high-scoring affairs.
First up in Group G, Cameroon came back from two goals down to draw with Serbia 3-3. Then in Group H, Ghana edged South Korea in a 3-2 thriller.
Brazil has just completed a 1-0 win over Switzerland thanks to a late strike from midfielder Casemiro in the 82nd minute, the win sends Brazil to the round of 16 while Switzerland will have to hope results fall their way in the final round of group games.
Good morning
G’day everyone. It’s Roy Ward here and I’ll be tapping the keys for our FIFA World Cup live blog this morning which begins with Portugal’s showdown with Uruguay.
These two storied nations will have high hopes for their respective campaigns in Qatar but only one of them will be able to top Group H.
A win from Portugal will see it join France and Brazil in the round of 16 while Uruguay will be desperate to score the win after a draw in their opening game with South Korea.
Please feel free to leave a comment on the blog at any time and enjoy the game and the day to come.
