Ronaldo has Uruguay’s respect but not the only focus

Uruguay defender Sebastian Croates said that the Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo will have their respect but Uruguay will not be solely focusing on the ace forward during their 2018 World Cup last-16 clash with Portugal.

Ronaldo is in terrific form this World Cup as he scored four of his team’s five goals in the showpiece event. He helped Portugal snatch a 3-3 draw against Spain in their opening game with a sublime hat trick and also scored the only goal for his team against Morocco to give Portugal their first and only victory in this edition of the football extravaganza.

Even though Ronaldo is the clear threat against Uruguay, still the Uruguay defender Croates insisted that the 33-year old star forward cannot be their only focus if the South American side are to make it to the Quarter Final of the tournament.

“We will defend him with the same respect that we defend others,” Croates told a news conference, as reported by Goal.com.

“He is a worldwide star, but you don't prepare for a match thinking about one player, but thinking about the team as a whole.” Croates concluded.

Also reports from Goal.com suggested that the Uruguay midfielder Matias Vecino said that his team would need to be careful not to give Ronaldo too many set-piece chances.

“When there is a [free-kick] specialist in the other team, you have to try to avoid fouls near the area,” Vecino said.

“Sometimes it is inevitable because when one midfielder or striker goes towards the goal to shoot, you have to cut the play before.” Vecino concluded.