Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo the star attractions as World Cup clash between Uruguay and Portugal hinges on El Clasico rivals

Aditya Devavrat 07:15 28/06/2018
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  • Suarez and Ronaldo are set to renew their El Clasico rivalry.

    Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo have gone head-to-head several times after finding themselves on opposite sides of the famous BarcelonaReal Madrid rivalry.

    This time, Uruguay’s Suarez and Portugal captain Ronaldo will play for a berth in the World Cup quarterfinals, with both players the focal points for their respective sides.

    Here’s a closer look at the key battles ahead of Saturday’s round of 16 clash.

    Luis Suarez vs Cristiano Ronaldo

    Suarez’s showing at the World Cup has essentially been a microcosm of his entire season at Barcelona. A slow start with a poor display in Uruguay’s first game, an improved but still unconvincing showing in their second, and then, in their final group stage game, he looked back to near his best. If that trend continues, he will be a menace for Portugal.

    Ronaldo edged out Suarez in their personal head-to-head in La Liga this season, scoring one more goal than his rival despite playing in fewer games. His penalty miss against Iran notwithstanding, the Portuguese striker has been every bit the talismanic presence for his side, serving as an inspiration for his team through the sheer quality of his performances.

    0627 Suarez vs Ronaldo

    Rodrigo Bentancur vs Joao Moutinho

    Bentancur has been the biggest beneficiary of Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez’s immense confidence in the country’s rising stars. The 21-year-old is still finding his feet at this stage, and he hasn’t quite justified a starting berth for his country at the World Cup. It’s a huge responsibility for the Juventus youngster, but he needs to start justifying his manager’s faith.

    Moutinho remains a solid, reliable performer in the Portugal midfield, helping his side maintain possession and serving as one of his team’s chief creative forces. Portugal have several players not named Ronaldo capable of starring on any given night, and Moutinho is one of them. He’ll need to be somewhere close to that level on Sunday to lead his side past Uruguay.

    0627 Bentancur vs Moutinho

    Diego Godin vs Pepe

    Diego Godin has been his typical, warrior-like self for Uruguay at the World Cup, putting in battling and commanding displays to help his side to three wins in the group stages. As always, when his side have been under the cosh, it’s Godin who’s been the one to rally them.  He’ll relish the duel with Ronaldo.

    Pepe and Godin had some memorable Madrid derby clashes during the Portugal defender’s time at Real Madrid, and he’ll want to outshine his Atletico Madrid counterpart on Saturday. He’ll also no doubt be looking forward to renewing hostilities with Suarez – another old El Clasico rivalry just. Expect Pepe to give his former adversaries a pointed reminder of his quality.

    0627 Godin vs Pepe

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