Portugal vs Uzbekistan Bet Builder Tips: 9/1 pick focuses on fouls

What a fascinating World Cup this is turning out to be. The minnows are producing, with DR Congo holding Portugal to a draw in their opener, and now we must see how Roberto Martinez’s team react. 

They face Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Boston (12pm local, 6pm BST, ITV1) and below you can find my Portugal vs Uzbekistan Bet Builder Tips. 

Portugal vs Uzbekistan Odds

Under 4.5 goals 

Now Portugal are the heavy favourites to win this game, as you would expect, but I’m not convinced of them ahead of this one. They should win, and I believe they will get the better of Uzbekistan to get their tournament up and running, but I’m not 100% sure so will avoid a match result.

Instead I’m going to kick us off by backing under 4.5 goals, as Uzbekistan put in a decent showing against Colombia in their 3-1 defeat. They were in the game until Jaminton Campaz scored the third in the 99th minute, and I think they can be compact against Portugal. 

Martinez’s side only mustered one shot on target from 75% possession vs DR Congo, and they will have to be more ruthless here. I’ll play things safe with under 4.5 goals for this one.

Behruzjon Karimov 2+ fouls (Sub Switch) 

Get ready for the same theory for the name three selections, but I think it makes up a really solid Bet Builder. Uzbekistan only picked up one yellow card in the defeat to Colombia but that doesn’t mean they were shy in committing fouls. 

In fact, they were defensively resolute as they made 10 tackles, seven interceptions, and 14 fouls across the entire team. Behruzjon Karimov will start at right wing-back and could be up against Rafael Leao or Joao Felix. He made three fouls against Colombia and I think putting him down to get two or more against Portugal is sensible.

Betfred's Sub Switch offer rolls your bet to the oncoming substitute, so you stay in the game, even when your player doesn’t.

Abdukodir Khusanov 2+ fouls (Sub Switch) 

The Manchester City man is the most famous Uzbekistan player, and will have a big job on his hands at centre-back. He plays on the right side of the back three so will also have some tough attackers to deal with, with this game likely to follow the same pattern as that Colombia test. 

Khusanov also made three fouls in that one, so dropping that down to two against Portugal again feels achievable. 

Abdulla Abdullaev 2+ fouls (Sub Switch) 

Abdulla Abdullaev will play as the central defender in the back three and is also likely to tussle with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. He isn’t shy at getting stuck in and also made three fouls against Colombia, as well as the most defensive contributions (nine). 

I’ve put him down for two or more fouls in this one, as I’m expecting Uzbekistan to dig in and fight against this talented Portuguese outfit. With the Sub Switch offer, we have the security of the bet rolling on even if the defenders are taken off. 

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