How to get past them?
Portugal wary of Uruguay’s defence, not only Suarez and Cavani
SOCHI: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored four goals at this year’s World Cup. Uruguay have conceded none.
That’s going to make for an interesting match when Portugal face the two-time champions tomorrow in the round of 16.
Uruguay are best known for their forward line, specifically Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, but they have thrived defensively both in Russia and in the lead-up to the tournament. They are the only team at the World Cup yet to allow a goal all year.
“We know that in 2018 they haven’t lost any of their six games and didn’t concede any goals,” Portugal rightback Cedric Soares said on Wednesday. “That is something to pay attention. It’s a team that have quality.”
The last time Uruguay allowed a goal was in a 4-2 victory over Bolivia in World Cup qualifying. That match was in October 2017.
In Russia, Uruguay won Group A after defeating Egypt and Saudi Arabia 1-0 and the host nation 3-0. The South American team didn’t falter on defence even when regular starting central defender Jose Maria Gimenez couldn’t play against Russia because of a muscle injury.
Sebastian Coates played in the middle of the defence against the hosts, but Uruguay’s team doctor said on Wednesday that Gimenez has a good chance of returning for tomorrow’s match in Sochi.
“He has improved and we are optimistic that he will be among those available to play (against Portugal),” Uruguay doctor Alberto Pan said.
Gimenez is a key part of the Uruguayan defence that will try to stop Ronaldo. He and Diego Godin play for Atletico Madrid and know Ronaldo well from their many matches against Real Madrid in Spain. Ronaldo got off to a great start in Russia, scoring a hattrick against Spain and the winner against Morocco, but he struggled in the 1-1 draw against Iran, when he missed a penalty kick.
Gimenez and Godin are also important for Uruguay in set pieces. Gimenez scored the late winner against Egypt with a header, and it was Godin who helped disrupt goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais as Suarez got the winning goal against Saudi Arabia. Godin also was involved in the team’s third goal against Russia, when Cavani took advantage of a rebound following the defender’s closerange header.
“We have to know that every play will be dangerous,” Soares said. “We will have to be very focused every time there’s a set piece.”
Portugal and Spain finished with five points each in Group B but the Portuguese ended second because they had fewer goals scored.
“Our biggest goal so far was to advance from the group stage. Now we can focus on this next game against Uruguay, which we know are a great team,” Soares said. “We are the European champions and we have shown many times that we have quality.” — AP