Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur mentioned on Sunday that twice former winners Uruguay are relishing their standing as underdogs forward of going through Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on the World Cup in Qatar. It was the same state of affairs 4 years in the past when an Edinson Cavani brace helped the South People stun the then-European champions 2-1 within the final 16. And following their drab 0-0 draw with South Korea on Thursday, the Celeste are trying ahead to tyring to overturn the chances as soon as once more of their Group H conflict on the Lusail Stadium on Monday.
“We respect everybody, however the much less you understand about Uruguay the higher it seems for us,” mentioned Tottenham participant Bentancur.
“It is higher to not appeal to consideration, to be humble, respect our opponents, and play all the identical.
“On the final World Cup we did it very well, ranging from behind.”
A lot consideration can be targeted on Portugal’s spectacular array of attacking expertise that features Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, in addition to Ronaldo.
However in veteran centre-back Pepe they’ve one of the skilled gamers within the event.
Coach Fernando Santos mentioned Pepe would play on Monday, which might make him the second oldest outfield participant ever to look in a World Cup match, after Cameroon nice Roger Milla.
Bentancur is trying ahead to arising towards the Brazilian-born Porto defender.
“Everyone knows Pepe, I performed towards him in 2018, he is an important participant, he is had an unbelievable profession,” mentioned Bentancur.
“Taking part in him can be an excellent check for us, however we even have our weapons. They’ve expertise, we do too, and we’ll attempt to assault their weaknesses.”
Portugal have recognized Actual Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde as Uruguay’s hazard man.
“He is a troublesome participant to cease. He is an effective crew participant, a powerful participant,” mentioned Bernardo.
“He is among the finest midfielders on this planet, not simply with the ball however with out the ball too. He does lots to create house for his crew mates.”
Valverde, 24, was named man of the match towards South Korea in his first ever World Cup match and has already received the Champions League and La Liga with Actual Madrid.
He has actually kicked on this season, scoring extra targets in 20 Actual matches this season than in his earlier 148 video games for the membership throughout 4 campaigns.
“He is nonetheless the identical lad, humble, a companion, at all times taking part very naturally,” mentioned Uruguay coach Diego Aonso.
“His efficiency is stupendous, extraordinary, we’re very blissful to have him.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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