CORNERFLICK
Portugal face Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday knowing another slip would put their place in the World Cup knockout stage at serious risk.
Roberto Martinez's side were held 1-1 by DR Congo in their opening Group K match, a result that left them under pressure after a flat attacking display. Portugal managed only one shot on target and drew criticism for their lack of threat.
A second setback would leave them needing a result against Colombia in their final group game. Colombia have already shown enough to be regarded as one of the sharper sides in the section.
Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, lost their opener to Colombia but have reason to believe Portugal can be exposed. Fabio Cannavaro's team are expected to lean on counter-attacks and the pace of their forwards in search of a first World Cup point.
Cristiano Ronaldo's place remains a talking point. The 41-year-old has now gone 10 straight appearances in major international tournaments without scoring, although he has found the net in six of his last nine games for Portugal.