URUGUAY Rugby World Cup star Felipe Etcheverry has been praised for his “Berbatov-like” first touch after impressing against France.
The South Americans put in a spirited display against the hosts before ultimately losing 27-12.
TwitterFelipe Etcheverry was praised for his first touch[/caption]
TwitterThe fly-half brilliantly controlled a high ball after France kicked into touch[/caption]
GettyEtcheverry had a try disallowed in the first half[/caption]
However the match could have played out very differently if Etcheverry’s first-half try had not been disallowed for blocking.
The fly-half showed a brilliant burst of speed to exploit a gap in the French defence, but Etcheverry also caught the eye for a different reason.
At one stage in the game France kicked a penalty into touch, and Etcheverry used the opportunity to showcase his skill with his feet.
He killed the ball with an excellent first touch that had fans suggesting he was playing the wrong sport.
Many compared him to footballers known for their brilliant first touch ability like Ronaldinho, Uruguayan superstar Luis Suarez and Manchester United hero Berbatov.
One fan said: “If Berbatov played rugby.”
Another added: “I think Luis Suarez would be proud.”
A third wrote: “Is my brother certain that he’s in the right sport.”
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And another commented: “I’ve seen Premier League footballers who haven’t got this level of control.”
Uruguay scored a try early in the second half to make the scoreline 13-12 before France took control of the match to win comfortably.
But Uruguay captain Andrés Vilaseca was proud of his team’s performance after giving one of the tournament favourites a scare.
He said: “I’m so proud of my team. I couldn’t ask for a better team to lead.
“We were fighting against France, one of the best teams in the world on their home ground. I am so proud. This is only the beginning for us.
“We fought for the whole game, but it was key for us to keep pushing France and keep battling.”