CORNERFLICK
Fabio Canavaro has urged Uzbekistan not to build their entire game plan around Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their World Cup group match against Portugal.
The Uzbekistan coach said Portugal are one of the strongest sides at the tournament, with dangerous wide players, one of the best midfields in the world and several top-class options beyond Ronaldo. He said his team must work as a unit if they want to leave with a positive result.
Canavaro said Uzbekistan had studied Portugal’s style, expecting them to control the ball and start aggressively as they look to force their way through the back line early.
“We are not only playing against Cristiano,” he said, stressing that Ronaldo remains a player who cannot be ignored in the box or from set pieces. “Portugal are not just Ronaldo.”
He also said Uzbekistan had focused on improving physical condition since his arrival, but added that ball control, passing and keeping possession matter more than running for its own sake. Portugal’s numbers in several areas are strong, he said, but Uzbekistan must stay organised and recover the ball in the right moments.