Spain midfielder Gavi has dismissed suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo has become a burden for Portugal, insisting the veteran forward remains capable of deciding the biggest matches ahead of Monday’s World Cup round of 16 tie in Dallas on 7 July.
Ronaldo continues to divide opinion despite his remarkable career, with some questioning whether his presence is now holding Portugal back given the side’s inconsistent form at this tournament. Gavi, speaking to Mundo Deportivo, said such criticism rarely comes from those closest to the 41 year old. “I always hear that, but from people who aren’t on his team, from fans. Those who are on his team have immense respect for him,” he said.
The Barcelona midfielder was unequivocal in his assessment of Ronaldo’s enduring quality. “Obviously, Cristiano is one of the best players in history and he can make the difference at any moment,” he said.
Gavi also addressed his relationship with Portugal full back Joao Cancelo, his close friend and Barcelona teammate, revealing the pair have deliberately avoided contact in the buildup to the match. “No, the truth is we haven’t spoken. I think both he and I are focused and concentrated on the game. I don’t think he’ll talk to me until after the game, and I won’t talk to him either. We’re both focused on our country, our national team, and winning,” he said.
The 21 year old acknowledged that Portugal represent Spain’s toughest test of the tournament so far. “Yes, it’s clear they’re the toughest opponent we’ve faced so far. They’re a great team, with good players. I hope the team is focused on what we have to do, on the manager’s plan, and that we all work together to win this tie,” he said.
Gavi pointed to Spain’s squad depth as a potential decisive factor against a Portugal side rich in midfield talent. “Yes. They have a great midfield, but we also have very good players, both those who start and those on the bench. I think our greatest strength is our large squad with such talented players. I hope we can show that in the match,” he said.
The Spain international also admitted last year’s Nations League final defeat to Portugal on penalties continues to serve as motivation heading into the rematch. “Yes, perhaps it’s an extra motivation, an added bonus. That match was decided on penalties. I think we were better in that game, we deserved to win, but football is about scoring more goals,” he said. “I hope that the day after tomorrow we’ll all be focused and that we’ll take the chances we get.”
Spain and Portugal meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on 7 July for a place in the World Cup quarter finals, in what is expected to be one of the most keenly anticipated fixtures of the knockout stage. Ronaldo is expected to lead Roberto Martinez’s attack having scored his first ever World Cup knockout goal in the previous round against Croatia, while Spain arrive unbeaten and yet to concede at the tournament, with Luis de la Fuente’s side looking to continue one of the most impressive runs in European football.
