Cristiano Ronaldo rode off in celebration, attempting as if he had scored as quickly as additional throughout the World Cup.
Not this time.
As an alternative, Bruno Fernandes was lastly credited with the goal that prepare Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday, advancing the side to the ultimate 16. Fernandes fired in a cross from the left that hardly crossed Ronaldo’s bounds and bounced into the nook throughout the 54th minute to current Portugal a 1-0 lead.
A grinning Ronaldo raised his arms throughout the air, indicating he was making final contact, and hugged Fernandes.
Sadly for Ronaldo, the goal lastly went to Fernandes, who added a second from the penalty spot in stoppage time after a handball by Jose Maria Gimenez.
Fernandes missed a hat-trick with the ultimate kick of the game, hitting the publish and bouncing broad.
Portugal Grew to grow to be the Third Crew to Qualify for the Spherical of 16
Portugal, who opened with a 3-2 win over Ghana, turned the third workforce to progress to the ultimate 16 after France and Brazil.
Uruguay has one stage from two video video games and will beat Ghana on Friday to face any likelihood of advancing. The 2010 semi-finalists are however to achieve a goal on this sport, with coach Diego Alonso even putting 35-year-old striker Luis Suarez on the bench looking for the right combination up entrance.
Portugal has no such worries. The workforce has scored 5 targets in two video video games and Fernandes has had a hand in 4 of them as he dictates play in his place as a result of the workforce’s amount 10.
Ronaldo was unable in order so as to add to the penalty he scored in opposition to Ghana. Which took his World Cup tally to eight targets from 5 tournaments and the lads’s worldwide purpose document to 118.
He remained the primary goal, though, lighting up a lackluster first half with concepts and strikes that left the group breathless on the World Cup’s biggest venue. The place Ronaldo hopes to return to the final word on December 18.
Ronaldo is now assured on the very least two additional matches in what is going on to almost certainly be his ultimate World Cup, and can in all probability be participating in throughout the knockout phases for the fourth time in his occupation.
A attract opposition to South Korea throughout the final sport of Group H. Will secure first place for Portugal, and completely distance itself from a ultimate 16 encounter with Brazil.
As for Uruguay, a must-win sport awaited in opposition to Ghana – a repeat of the 2010 quarter-final gained by the South American side in a penalty shoot-out after Suarez was despatched off for a handball on the freeway in stoppage time.
Suarez will in all probability be recalled for that sport after coming off the bench in opposition to Portugal. Capturing broad from shut range after fellow substitute Maxi Gomez curled a shot at goal.
“We should at all times guess additional. We have now now to be a brave crew,” talked about Alonso.
Portugal avenged its defeat to Uruguay throughout the spherical of 16 throughout the 2018 match.
FIELD INVASION
The match was interrupted shortly sooner than the goal by a protester carrying a rainbow flag and sporting a blue Superman T-shirt learning “SAVE UKRAINE” on the doorway and “RESPECT FOR IRANIAN WOMAN” on the once more. Security guards chased protesters and flags had been dropped on the pitch.
PEPE’S FEAT
Portugal defender Pepe is the second oldest outfield participant to take a look at a World Cup, at 39 years outdated. The oldest is Roger Milla, who was 42 years outdated when he carried out for Cameroon throughout the 1994 sport.
MENDES HURT
Portugal went as soon as extra Nuno Mendes fell down throughout the fortieth minute and shortly burst into tears after sustaining late-match hurt. He was able to go away the sphere unassisted and was modified by Raphael Guerreiro. The ultimate remaining opponent throughout the Portugal squad.