By DAVIDSON ABRAHAM, Middle East
Bruno Fernandes scored two goals as Portugal secured a World Cup last-16 place with a 2-0 win over Uruguay at Lusail Stadium.
DUBAI (Sundiata Post) – The Manchester United midfielder broke the deadlock in a scrappy Group H clash when his 54th-minute cross, which was aimed at Cristiano Ronaldo, nestled in the far corner.
He then confirmed Portugal’s Victory and round of 16 berth with a stoppage-time penalty and almost had a hat-trick as Fernando Santos’ side joined France and Brazil in sealing their passage to the knockout stages with a game to spare. The win saw Portugal avenge their 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the last 16 of the 2018 competition in Russia.
Chances did not fall freely during the opening half-hour, with neither side registering a shot on target. William Carvalho’s sweetly struck volley was just too high, while Jose Gimenez sent his looping header narrowly over the crossbar.
Fernandes then opened the scoring three minutes later when his attempted centre, which Ronaldo initially appeared to faintly connect with, evaded Sergio Rochet. Uruguay looked to respond as Maximiliano Gomez rattled the post and Luis Suarez hit the side netting, but Portugal sealed victory when Fernandes, who was involved in winning the penalty, calmly slotted home from 12 yards after VAR penalised Gimenez for handball.
Fernandes twice went close to completing his hat-trick in the dying moments, Rochet saving his volley before he rattled the woodwork from 20 yards.
Edinson Cavani, who netted twice when these nations met in Russia four years ago, was restored to the starting line-up ahead of Luis Suarez. However, the veteran striker registered just one shot on goal – an early second-half volley he dragged wide – while no starting player had fewer touches than him (21).
Santos may rest players and rotate his squad for Portugal’s final Group H match against South Korea on Friday. On the same day, Uruguay must beat Ghana to stand any chance of reaching the last 16.
