
Portugal coach Fernando Santos has said his side would be playing as a team when they take on Uruguay in a round of 16 clash in Sochi at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
According to Fernando, the team would not be depending on star man Cristiano Ronaldo when they face the South Americans.
“We have to play as a team. If Ronaldo plays alone we will lose,” Santos told reporters at the Fisht Stadium.
“We have to be strong as a team, as strong as Uruguay. It is difficult to play on your own. Even if he scores three goals, he has a team working for him.”
Santos warned his side of the quality throughout the Uruguay ranks.
He said, “Their central defenders play for Atletico Madrid, who won the Europa League. In midfield they have one who plays for Juventus and one for Inter.
“Their strikers play for Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. Three of those sides won the league in their countries.
“It is true, though, that when both teams cancel each other out, that is where the individuals come to the fore.
“I hope my team can be as strong as Uruguay, and that Cristiano can then make the difference.”
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