Joao Neves

ANALYSIS
Neves lined up alongside Vitinha in Portugal's double pivot for most of the match before making way for Bernardo Silva in the 76th minute as coach Roberto Martinez continued to rotate with the outcome already well in hand. He played a key role in dictating the tempo and keeping Portugal in control, helping drive a 66 percent possession share against Uzbekistan's compact defensive shape while adding two tackles (one won), one block and one cross. While the box score doesn't fully capture his impact, the PSG midfielder was arguably the most influential player in the middle of the park. Neves and Portugal now sit on four points in Group K and will face Colombia in a decisive final group-stage showdown.