Cannavaro Warns Uzbekistan Face More Than Just Ronaldo in Portugal Clash
Uzbekistan national football team manager Fabio Cannavaro has stressed that his squad will be facing a comprehensive threat when they line up against Portugal, warning his players not to focus solely on the famous Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, the Italian tactician acknowledged the undeniable danger posed by the veteran Portuguese forward while highlighting the sheer depth of their upcoming opponents.
«He is one of the greatest footballers in history but Portugal is not only Ronaldo,» Cannavaro stated. «They have a lot of high-level players both in the starting line-up and on the bench. Nevertheless, you cannot leave Ronaldo unattended in the penalty area for a single second.»
The manager emphasised that the Portuguese star is capable of finding the back of the net at any given moment, demanding maximum concentration from his defenders for the entire match.
Cannavaro anticipates a gruelling tactical encounter. He pointed out that the European side boasts formidable wingers, a highly skilled midfield and a strong preference for controlling the tempo of the game through heavy possession.
Squad fitness and form
Addressing his own camp, Cannavaro revealed that physical conditioning has been a primary focus since he took charge of the national team. He noted that integrating the squad presented initial challenges, as players arrived from various domestic leagues with differing levels of match readiness and general fitness issues.
Despite these early hurdles, the head coach expressed great satisfaction with the team’s physical state following their recent match against Colombia. He praised his players for successfully maintaining a high intensity and carrying a strong tempo right through to the final whistle.
