Ahead of Monday’s World Cup rematch with Portugal, Rodrigo Bentancur says that Uruguay thrives when they feel like they are out of the spotlight.
Four years after their crucial Group H match at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Russia, which La Celeste won 2-1 behind a pair of goals from Edinson Cavani, the two teams will square off again.
Portugal, who entered that 2018 matchup as the favourite, is expected to prevail once more after defeating Ghana in the opening match while Uruguay was held to a scoreless draw by South Korea.
However, Bentancur asserts that his group is content to operate covertly and without making a fuss.
“I think it will be a different game,” he said. “Football has evolved. Now, we play with more intensity. We will bring our A-game, we can do lots of things to hurt them.
“We always deeply respect our opponent. If not so many things are being written about Uruguay, then that is good for us.”
Bentancur will see former Juventus teammate Cristiano Ronaldo again for the first time since the controversial transfer of the Portugal captain from Manchester United.
“With Cristiano, I haven’t had the chance to talk to him,” he added. “The last match we spoke at was when we saw each other in London, when we played against Manchester United.
“But we have a very good relationship between the two of us. He’s a great person and a great player. I’m sure I will greet him, we will talk to each other, and we will hug each other.”
