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Rodrigo Bentancur says Uruguay enjoy thriving when they feel like they are out of the spotlight, ahead of a World Cup reunion with Portugal on Monday.
Four years on from their last-16 encounter in Russia, which La Celeste won 2-1 thanks to an Edinson Cavani brace, the pair will meet in a crucial Group H clash at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Portugal headed into that 2018 showdown as favourites – and are tipped for success again this time around, having opened with victory over Ghana while Uruguay were held to a goalless draw by South Korea.
But Bentancur says his side are happy to fly under the radar and quietly go about their business.
“I think it will be a different game,” he said. “Football has evolved. Now, we play with more intensity. We will bring our A-game, we can do lots of things to hurt them.
“We always deeply respect our opponent. If not so many things are being written about Uruguay, then that is good for us.”
Meanwhile, Bentancur is set for a reunion with former Juventus team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since the Portugal captain’s controversial exit from Manchester United.
“With Cristiano, I haven’t had the chance to talk to him,” he added. “The last match we spoke at was when we saw each other in London, when we played against Manchester United.
“But we have a very good relationship between the two of us. He’s a great person and a great player. I’m sure I will greet him, we will talk to each other, and we will hug each other.”
