Houston / Tuesday, 23 June / 18:00
I am at this game for Radio 5 Live too and let’s just say I will be keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal are such an interesting team. I covered them in their draw against DR Congo and they have the best midfielders in the tournament, but they also have Ronaldo up front.
That used to be a huge positive, but now it is a problem.
You would put Ronaldo up with the world’s all-time greats when he was at his peak, but he is not the same player now.
He killed Portugal against DR Congo and it was like they were playing with a man down.
What I found staggering was that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez must have seen that – everyone else did – but did not take him off.
Ronaldo was world class and was once one of the game’s great goalscorers, but he cannot run or even move anymore.
I want to make it clear I am not criticising the player Ronaldo was, not in any way, but I also think he just should not be playing for Portugal anymore.
I don’t see Martinez dropping Ronaldo for this game, though. His influence is far too great.
I still think Portugal will beat Uzbekistan, who were very open against Colombia, because they have got superior footballers – but if they do win, it will be despite Ronaldo, not because of him.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-0
AI’s prediction: 3-0
