Uruguayan media outlet El Pais say Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur was Uruguay’s best player on Monday but could do little about Portugal winning 2-0 – reporting that the Spurs maestro is now ‘exhausted’ after giving his all.
Bentancur, 25, won his 53rd cap for Uruguay on Monday. But it was a poor result for Uruguay. Having failed to beat South Korea in the first game, drawing 0-0, Uruguay really needed a result. But Portugal cruised to a 2-0 win in Qatar.
There remains doubt who opened the scoring – whether it was Cristiano Ronaldo, or Bruno Fernandes. No doubt about the second, Fernandes scoring a penalty. Less doubt, about Uruguay’s worrying position in Group H after two games.
Uruguay now sit bottom of Group H on goal difference. South Korea also have one point, Ghana are in second with three after beating South Korea 3-2 – and Portugal have six points. Uruguay are in danger of an early exit in Qatar.
Of course, they have Ghana to play next – and a win would see them qualify. But Bentancur has impressed and he was applauded for his performance against Portugal – given 7/10, and described as Uruguay’s best player on Monday.
“He started with a change too many and on a couple of occasions he committed a foul in the opposite half, when he went to press. In one of those plays, he got a yellow card. But he ended up being the best Uruguay player.
“His impulses led to the generation of two of the most dangerous situations. One of them he made a Maradona play that goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved. He pushed the team and ended up exhausted by the wear he made,” El Pais said.
Tottenham star Bentancur was Uruguay’s best player on Monday
Ultimately, Bentancur did not deserve to be on the losing side. WhoScored report he made key passes, two tackles, three interceptions, completing 48 of his 60 passes. A stunning performance, but unfortunately, not enough.
So, can Uruguay still qualify? You would expect South Korea to struggle against Portugal – but Portugal could easily rest players; the likes of Ronaldo and Fernandes. Even then, you would expect Portugal to at least, avoid defeat.
The big ask for Uruguay, is to get another big 90 minutes out of their players. As El Pais say, Bentancur is exhausted but has got to produce another huge display on Friday. Ghana will be high after their win. All to play for, but a tough ask.
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