World Cup 2022: Fernandes shoots Portugal into the round of 16

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Cristiano Ronaldo has prematurely reached the first stage goal with Portugal at what will probably be his last World Cup. The team around the 37-year-old superstar won 2-0 (0-0) against Uruguay on Monday in front of 88,668 spectators in the final stadium Lusail and after two wins from two games is early in the round of 16. Uruguay, on the other hand, have only one point so far in Qatar and have to worry about a place in the knockout stages. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes scored the two goals (54th/90th + 3/penalty).

Shortly after half-time, a streaker with a rainbow flag caused a stir and stormed onto the field. Portugal did not let this irritate them in their revenge for the 2-1 loss in the 2018 World Cup round of 16. The Iberians are still fighting for first place in the last group game on Friday against South Korea. Uruguay must then win against Ghana, who beat South Korea 3-2 on Monday and are second in their group.

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After the Portuguese goal, Ronaldo initially cheered and let himself be celebrated, but Fernandes was announced as the scorer. His cross no longer touched Ronaldo in the middle. The offensive player, who was later replaced, failed to equalize Portugal’s World Cup goal record of nine goals by Eusebio, at least for the time being. More than four years after Uruguay’s 2-1 draw in Russia’s round of 16, the focus in Qatar was again on the veterans Pepe and Edinson Cavani. Both had shone as goalscorers in 2018, now they made their starting XI debuts in Qatar. At 39 years, nine months and two days, Portugal’s Pepe is now the third-oldest outfield player in World Cup history.

The duel between the 35-year-old striker Cavani and four-year-old Pepe was initially not very exciting – Uruguay was too harmless on the offensive. The addition of Cavani for Luis Suárez, who later came on to replace him, initially did little to pay off. The South Americans concentrated on stopping Portugal’s attacks with their defensive back five. The offensive efforts of the ex-European champion stopped the eleven around captain Diego Godín with fouls if necessary. Referee Alireza Faghani from Iran issued the first yellow card for Rodrigo Bentancur after just six minutes.

Portugal dominated the game, but the offensive actions were often too complicated and not focused enough. Captain Ronaldo couldn’t shine either, a free kick into the wall (18th) and a shot blocked by his own teammate (37th) were the most striking actions. He was more in the spotlight before kick-off, as the Portuguese fans loudly cheered every move during the warm-up and he was mobbed by dozens of photographers as he took the last sip from a bottle before the start. The 37-year-old can also recommend himself for a new club after the split from Manchester United in Qatar.

Ball possession and goal shot statistics clearly spoke for Portugal, but Uruguay had the biggest chance of the first 45 minutes. The strong Bentancur prevailed against three Portuguese and failed at keeper Diogo Costa (32nd). Uruguay grew bolder before Fernandes’ acclaimed goal put a damper on the South Americans’ offensive efforts after the break. Maximiliano Gomez hit the post with fifteen minutes to go and missed the best chance of an equalizer (75′). At the other end, Fernandes made everything clear with his second goal in added time. He safely converted a hand penalty, and shortly afterwards it was almost enough for a hat trick. Only the post prevented that just before the final whistle.

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