World Cup Russia 2018 newsletter

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo gestures during a training session. (Victor R. Caivano/AP)Uruguay vs. Portugal

Round of 16, Fisht Stadium, Sochi

The knockout stage is here and with it arrives a meeting between two of the world’s most organized, creative and offensive-minded teams. Both Uruguay and Portugal are possession-oriented sides keen to be patient with the ball in the midfield while their talented strikers and wingers find space to attack.

Uruguay dominated possession against Egypt in a 1-0 win and even more so against Russia, a 3-0 victory. Saudi Arabia nearly provided the kryptonite for La Celeste’s tactics by playing keep-away along the back line, dropping 10 and sometimes 11 men on…