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‘I was disappointed’ – Pundit points to Liverpool star for his poor performance in FIFA World Cup

Former England player Matthew Upson voiced criticism Liverpool the performance of superstar Darwin Nunez first Portugal in Uruguay’s second Group H match at World Cup 2022.

Looking to claim their first win of the tournament, Uruguay meets Group H winners Portugal at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Monday night (November 28).

The South American team failed to achieve its goal, ultimately suffering a disappointing 0-2 defeat. Bruno Fernandes scored both goals for Portugal to send them into the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Liverpool ace Nunez, who was in the starting lineup ahead of the 2016 European Championship winners, did not make any impact.

He lost the ball 13 times, was second in 6/7 duels and completed only 11 passes (68.8 % accuracy). Dissatisfied with his performance, coach Diego Alonso hooked him up in the 72nd minute.

Upson was disappointed with the Liverpool striker’s performance against Portugal and thinks the manager was right to pull him off the pitch. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former England defender said (via BBC):

“I am disappointed with Darwin Nunez tonight. He didn’t bring the energy and movement that Uruguay desperately needed so I’m not surprised he was substituted.”

Having picked up a single point from two FIFA World Cup Group H matches in Qatar, Uruguay finds itself in a difficult position. They need to win against Ghana in their final Group H match on December 2 to advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup round of 16 alongside Portugal.


Liverpool ace Darwin Nunez needs more involvement to help Uruguay reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup knockout round

Nunez, who joined the Red Devils for a fee of €80 million in the summer transfer window, has been underwhelming in both matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup so far. He remained on the sidelines, rarely using his physicality and speed to fight the opposition. Meeting Ghana, Nunez had to participate more to help Uruguay avoid a pathetic elimination in the group stage.

Vestir esta camiseta, debutar en un Mundial, no hay palabras para decribir lo que se siente. A seguir trabajando por el sueño de todos! 🫡🇺🇾 https://t.co/LC0yUIPgxl

The former Benfica player would probably perform better as the focal point of Uruguay’s attack, rather than sharing the limelight with Edinson Cavani or Luis Suarez. Switching positions can allow him to use his speed and aerial ability to become a more direct and powerful goal threat.

Nunez also had to learn how to stay calm in the deciding match of Group H, as he made the mistake of calling the wrong number too many times.

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Edited by Sushan Chakraborty