Portugal's national team player Cristiano Ronaldo (C) in action during the training session at the Kratovo training camp, which will be the Team Base Camp during the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, Ramensky, Moscow, Russia, 28 June 2018. EPA/PAULO NOVAIS
by
Phumzile Ngcatshe
Friday Jun 29, 2018. 12:00
Portugal are out to secure their passage into the quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup when they meet Uruguay.
The Navigators are chasing their second win in the tournament after a lukewarm showing in the group stages.
They finished second in group B behind Spain on goal difference, but were level on five points.
Coach Fernando Santos led his troops to one win over Morocco and two draws against Spain and Iran.
Santos will pin his hopes on players such as skipper Cristiano Ronaldo and the likes of Pepe to bring their big match temperament to inspire the side to glory.
On the other hand, Portugal will also want to do better than their third place finish in 1966 in England and rewrite their country’s history.
Coming to the South Americans, Uruguay are yet to lose and have bagged two wins in Group A.
The Celeste emerged as Group A winners after opening their group stage assignments with a win over Egypt followed by a win over Saudi Arabia before overcoming hosts Russia via a 3-0 score.
Having tasted glory on two occasions in in 1930 and in 1950, they will want to go for glory this year and do better than the fourth-place finish they achieved in South Africa eight years ago.
Coach Oscar Tabarez will ensure his men such as skipper Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez are in fine form on the day to beat the Europeans.
The match will be staged on Saturday night at Olimpiyskiy Stadion Fisht in Sochi at 20:00 (CAT).
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