Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur stated 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 an analogous state of affairs 4 years in the past when an Edinson Cavani brace helped the South Americans 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 wanting 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 everyone, but the less you know about Uruguay the better it turns out for us,” stated Tottenham participant Bentancur.

“It’s better not to attract attention, to be humble, respect our opponents, and play all the same.

“At the final World Cup we did it rather well, ranging from behind.”

Much attention will be focused on Portugal’s impressive array of attacking talent that includes Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, in addition to Ronaldo.

But in veteran centre-back Pepe they have one of the most experienced players in the tournament.

Coach Fernando Santos said Pepe would play on Monday, which would make him the second oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup match, after Cameroon great Roger Milla.

Bentancur is looking forward to coming up against the Brazilian-born Porto defender.

“We all know Pepe, I performed towards him in 2018, he is a fantastic participant, he is had an unbelievable profession,” said Bentancur.

“Playing him shall be a very good check for us, however we even have our weapons. They have expertise, we do too, and we’ll attempt to assault their weaknesses.”

Portugal have recognized Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde as Uruguay’s hazard man.

“He’s a tricky participant to cease. He is an efficient staff participant, a powerful participant,” said Bernardo.

“He’s among the best midfielders on this planet, not simply with the ball however with out the ball too. He does rather a lot to create house for his staff mates.”

Valverde, 24, was named man of the match against South Korea in his first ever World Cup match and has already won the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid.

He has really kicked on this season, scoring more goals in 20 Real matches this season than in his previous 148 games for the club across four campaigns.

“He’s nonetheless the identical lad, humble, a companion, all the time taking part very naturally,” stated Uruguay coach Diego Aonso.

“His efficiency is stupendous, extraordinary, we’re very glad to have him.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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