Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has identified Cristiano Ronaldo as a major threat inside the penalty area as the two teams prepare for their upcoming Round of 16 match at Dallas Stadium on Monday. Although the 41-year-old Portuguese captain is no longer in his prime, Simon emphasized that he remains highly dangerous when positioned near the goal.
Ronaldo, the oldest captain in the tournament, has scored three goals in four appearances, setting a historic record as the first player to find the back of the net in six different World Cup editions. His most recent contribution was a critical penalty in the 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in Toronto. Simon acknowledged that while the veteran forward has evolved, his finishing ability inside the box remains lethal, necessitating a defensive strategy that keeps him as far away from the danger zone as possible.
