Spain goalkeeper pokes Cristiano Ronaldo: "He doesn't have the same rhythm as before"
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo no longer has the same physical intensity that marked the peak of his career. This was the assessment of Spain's goalkeeper, Unai Simón, when planning the duel against Portugal in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
The Spanish number 1, who has already broken a record in this World Cup, stated that the Portuguese star has lost the rhythm of his youth, but issued a warning to his teammates.
"Cristiano Ronaldo and Modric are players who no longer have the rhythm they used to have, the rhythm they had five, six years ago", said Unai Simón, in an interview with CazéTV.
Afterwards, however, the goalkeeper highlighted that the Portuguese's experience and technical quality continue to make a difference, especially inside the area.
"They were very decisive. But Cristiano still maintains his shot and control of the ball in the area, where he is decisive. He will give us work and we have to be prepared for him", he added.
Portugal x Spain will be on Monday (6)
Portugal and Spain face each other next Monday, at 4pm, in Dallas, qualifying for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Cristiano arrives at the classic experiencing a campaign marked by ups and downs. The striker scored three goals in the tournament and was decisive in the victory over Croatia in the second phase.
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA / Disclosure
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Gonçalo Ramos led Portugal to qualify against Croatia - Getty Images via FIFA
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Getty Images
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Getty Images
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Getty Images
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Cristiano Ronaldo scores for the first time in a World Cup knockout stage - Disclosure / FIFA
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Cristiano Ronaldo is substituted in the second half of Portugal x Croatia - Dan Mullan/Getty Images via FIFA
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Disclosure / FIFA
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Disclosure / FIFA
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Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal x Croatia - FIFA via Getty
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Cristiano Ronaldo scores for the first time in the World Cup knockout stage - Dan Mullan/Getty Images
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Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Previously, he scored twice in the 5-0 defeat of Uzbekistan, but was also criticized for his performances in the 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo and the 0-0 draw against Colombia.
Even with Gonçalo Ramos having scored the qualifying goal against the Croatians, the tendency is for Roberto Martínez to keep Cristiano Ronaldo among the starters to face a defense that has not yet leaked in the World Cup.
Without Germany, Brazil remains at the top of the list of World Cup champions
Source: CNN