Nation’s media say Tottenham man did something Maradona-esque at World Cup, he is ‘exhausted’

According to Uruguayan media outlet El Pais, Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur was Uruguay’s best player on Monday but couldn’t prevent Portugal from winning 2-0, and the Spurs maestro is now ‘exhausted’ after giving his all.

On Monday, Bentancur, 25, earned his 53rd cap for Uruguay. However, it was a disappointing outcome for Uruguay. Uruguay desperately needed a result after drawing 0-0 with South Korea in the first game. Portugal, on the other hand, won 2-0 in Qatar.

There is still debate over who scored first, whether it was Cristiano Ronaldo or Bruno Fernandes. There is no doubt about the second goal, Fernandes scoring a penalty. There is less doubt about Uruguay’s precarious position in Group H after two games.

Uruguay now sits bottom of Group H on goal difference. South Korea also has one point, Ghana is in second with three after beating South Korea 3-2 – and Portugal has six points. Uruguay is 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 reports he made key passes, two tackles, and 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 says, 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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