Portugal Through To WC Round Of 16 After Beating Uruguay

Portugal have joined France and Brazil in getting six points in two matches in the World Cup by beating Uruguay 2-0 in Group H match at Lusail Iconic Stadium on Monday night.

Bruno Fernandes’ intended cross for Cristiano Ronaldo eluded the great superstar, nestling in the empty net after 54 minutes, before Fernandes completed his brace from the penalty spot in injury-time.

It was a sweet revenge for Portugal as Uruguay, who are two-time World Cup champions, ended their journey in the round of 16 in this competition four years ago in Russia, winning 2-1 on that occasion when Edison Cavani scored twice.   

However, Portugal knew that a win in this game would book their spot in the round of 16 after beating Ghana 3-2 in the first group stage match.

For Uruguayans, they were held to a goalless draw by South Korea, with what many described as the boring game thus far in these finals.

They had to come out of the blocks to give themselves a chance of going through. But both sides played the game that lacked entertainment in the first half with many balls being lost in the midfield.

Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur though provided a mazy run in what was the best chance in the first half, slicing at Portugal’s defense at will but his final product was halted by Diogo Costa, who closed the angle to stop the danger.

Ronaldo came to this game with the history on his back after he became the first player in history to score in five different World Cups after scoring a penalty against Ghana in the previous match.

But Portugal, who looked potent going forward, thought their superstar had scored when he rose to meet Fernandes’ cross, but he missed it, with the ball nestling in the unguarded net. Uruguay tried to get back in the match, with Max Gomes almost equalizing, but he saw his ferocious shot rattling the upright. That was only it to show for their efforts tonight.   

Portugal, who became the third side qualify for the knockout stages after two games, will conclude the group against the Koreans while Uruguay will face Ghana, with these matches taking place on Friday at the same time (17:00).     

Sadly, Nuno Mendes won’t be part of that game for Portugal as he went straight down before half time with injury and it looks like his World Cup journey is over.