Portugal qualified early for the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar. The Iberians defeated Uruguay 2-0 (0-0) and celebrated their second win in the second game.
Two goals from Bruno Fernandes (54′, 90’+2/penalties) ensured the deserved success of the 2016 European champions in Lusail on Monday evening (28/11/22). Round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup in Russia against the South Americans.
Uruguay, who started with a goalless draw against South Korea, now have to win against Ghana in the third group game next Friday (12/02/22, 4 p.m. CET) in order to prevent Qatar from being knocked out early. Portugal meets South Korea at the same time.
Uruguay’s tactical trickery
Uruguay wanted to end their goalless time in Qatar with an attacking 4-4-3 system – at least officially. The South Americans informed the world football association FIFA of this tactical formation before the start of the game, which published it immediately. It is unclear whether coach Diego Alonso wanted to deceive the experts and the opponent or whether his men simply did not follow him.
But the fact was: In the first 30 minutes, the “Celeste” acted more from a 4-5-1 formation, in which the veteran Edinson Cavani was the first defender in the front line. Behind them, his teammates were initially almost exclusively trying to limit the damage.
Portugal “fright” Cavani ineffective
The creativity of the two-time world champion in the forward movement was kept within very manageable limits. Cavani, who scored twice in the 2-1 win over the Iberians in the 2018 World Cup round of 16, did not take place before half-time. A “monster” also played a large part in this. That is what Portugal coach Fernando Santos reverently and respectfully calls his defense chief Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira.
He is better known by his stage name Pepe, had Cavani under control at all times before half-time and also wrote a small piece of World Cup history.
Pepe third oldest outfield player in World Cup history
The veteran, who missed the opening game against Ghana (3-2) through injury, is now making his Qatar debut at the age of 39 years and 275 days, making him the third-oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup game. Only Cameroon’s folk hero Roger Milla at the 1994 World Cup (42 years and 39 days) and Canada’s captain Atiba Hutchinson at the current World Cup (39 years and 293 days) were older.
Bentancur forgives Uruguay’s lead
By the way, Pepe and his Portuguese looked very old in the 32nd minute when Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur started a formidable slalom, dribbled his way into the penalty area, but then failed because goalkeeper Diego Costa rushed out. It was the only notable chance in the first period. The fact that the “Celeste” owned her was almost comical.
At half-time, Portugal had 70 percent possession. But the superior Iberians could hardly cause any danger. It was an overall disjointed game that audiences saw in Lusail.
Flitzer runs onto the field with a rainbow flag
After the change of sides, a man brought some color into play who was not on the match report sheet, but is obviously a great athletics talent. In a full sprint, a speedster ran across the lawn in the 51st minute, holding a rainbow flag in his hand. This soon fell out of the hands of the stranger – and the speedster fell into the hands of security guards. The game was interrupted for a few seconds.
Fernandes’ cross to Ronaldo lands in goal
It can be assumed that said “sprint talent” will at least temporarily become an internet star. However, it is questionable whether his run will generate more clicks on the net than Portugal’s opening goal. Especially since Fernandes’ 1-0 win opened the door to the round of 16. The Manchester United midfielder crossed the ball sharply inwards for Cristiano Ronaldo, who apparently no longer touched the playground equipment with his head or the tips of his hair.
In any case, the superstar keeper Sergio Rochet irritated decisively and thus had a share in the goal.
The post prevents equalization
Uruguay now had to give up their reticence. And it did. Now where it said 4-4-3, there was also 4-4-3 in it. Suddenly the South Americans, who had been so destructive until then, pushed Portugal into their own half and created chances. Maxi Gomes was particularly close to equalizing, hitting the post in the 75th minute. But substitutes Luis Suárez (78th) and Giorgian de Arrascaeta (79th) also had the 1-1 on their feet.
Controversial hand penalty leads to the decision
The fact that Santos replaced Ronaldo in the closing stages and in 21-year-old Goncalo Matias Ramos brought in a man with more stamina (82′), testified to the Portuguese coach’s fear of an equaliser. The 68-year-old was only able to breathe a sigh of relief just before the end of the season when Fernandes made it 2-0 with a penalty.
Uruguay defender José Maria Gimenez had lent a helping hand in a defensive action. At least that’s how referee Alireza Faghani saw it. After viewing the TV images, the referee from Iran pointed to the point.