Uruguay defence marshalled by Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez have conceded just one goal in four games so far at the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia but they will come up against the pace of Kylian Mbappe and the trickery of Antoine Griezmann who lead the French attack.
“France have very important players, especially their forwards, who are very fast,” Torreira told the Uruguay Football Association’s official Facebook page.
“We have to be smart and occupy the spaces very well to try to overshadow their game.”
“It’s amazing how we feel that affection on his part. He is a person who transmits tranquillity and confidence.
Torreira has impressed so far at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 22-year-old midfielder has attributed his form to their veteran head coach Oscar Tabarez.
“Although I am new to the World Cup, I am gaining confidence with the games. Many players have the experience of living these kind of moments, which helps us to be calm.”
Two of the pre-tournament favourites collide in Nizhny Novgorod on Friday evening at 7pm, as Brazil and Belgium clash in their World Cup quarter-final.
Brazil coach Tite has confirmed that Real Madrid full-back Marcelo will return to the side to face the Belgians.
Marcelo was forced off early on in Brazil’s final group game as they beat Serbia to assure themselves of top spot in Group E, before the same back problem cost him a place in the team that beat Mexico 2-0.
“I talked to Marcelo and Filipe Luis,” said Tite.
“Marcelo left (against Serbia) because of a clinical problem and he has not been back because of a physical problem, he only had 45 to 60 minutes. Filipe Luis played very well in those matches but Marcelo is coming back.”
Roberto Martinez believes his Belgium team are ready for the challenge of Brazil and says there is “something special” about his squad.
Martinez feels his side, despite being stacked with individual talent, cannot be regarded as favourites because of their inexperience but he is convinced they can flourish.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the former Everton manager said: “The two sides are very similar in terms of qualities. The difference is we haven’t won a World Cup – simple as that.
“When you go into a tournament if you don’t have that know-how of winning one you can’t have an advantage on the opponent.
“We shouldn’t play Brazil, we shouldn’t be in awe of the opportunity we have. We need to enjoy our game, be ourselves. When we do that our talent shows.
“There is something special in this squad, no doubt about it. The signs are positive and of a real desire to be on the football pitch.
“We can’t wait. I feel we are as ready as we can be. Over the last two years we have been working towards this moment.” – Additional report – Sky Sports.
