Uruguay 2-1 Portugal: 5 Talking Points as Portugal are knocked out, World Cup 2018

#5 Uruguay hustle their way to the quarter-final

Portugal simply had no room to create opportunities in open play as Uruguay pressed hard

If there was one area where Uruguay were clearly better than Portugal, it was the way they hustled when their opponents had the ball. The sheer hard work put in by every player in a blue shirt is to be applauded. With a standing ovation.

The win not only confirmed Uruguay's progress to the quarter-final but it was a major win for the 4-4-2 formation that is slowly making its way back into the modern game. Two-striker formations are almost a thing of the past but the Cavani-Suarez partnership has thrived.

Uruguay's press was systematic and done with purpose. Patricio, in Portugal's goal, sometimes struggled to pass to a teammate when they tried to build from the back. Suarez and Cavani led the press for Uruguay and they never stopped running - even in the second half.

In contrast, Portugal simply failed to play with the urgency required until it was too late. When Ronaldo attempted to press, Uruguay had the entire third of the pitch to pass their way out of trouble. Portugal never pressed as a team - like the unit Uruguay were, hunting down every ball no matter where they were on the pitch.

#URU's record vs. European teams on European soil at the #WorldCup knockout stages:WLLLLWTheir first win in 64 years. 📈 pic.twitter.com/dhjpez6OvT

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 30, 2018