Former England striker Michael Owen has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to respond to critics with a hat-trick against Uzbekistan. Owen believes Ronaldo will bounce back from a disappointing performance in Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo.
Ronaldo laboured against DR Congo, managing just 25 touches and three shots, all of which were off-target. However, Owen defended Ronaldo's style of play, noting that the veteran forward nowadays limits his movement to within the penalty box.
Owen also pointed out that Portugal boasts one of the best midfields in the World Cup, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves and Vitinha oozing creativity and class. Ronaldo, therefore, is less involved in build-up movements and more rooted in the gaps between opposition centre-backs.
Ronaldo's age will inevitably be held against him, but Owen believes the living legend is more than capable of being the difference-maker with moments of brilliance.
