Fernandes Scores Twice as Portugal Beat Uruguay and Progress to Round of 16

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Portugal sealed their place in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup thanks to a hard fought 2-0 win over Uruguay. The game was played at the Lusail Stadium and the Portuguese knew a win would be enough to seal their place in the knockout stages.

The match was lacking real quality for much of the first half and like Portugal’s game against Ghana, they came alive in the second period.

Bruno Fernandes collected the ball in a wide position and curled in a cross to towards the head of Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Manchester United striker appeared to head the ball into the far corner as he ran off to celebrated.

However, on closer inspection, FIFA awarded the goal to Fernandes as there was no clear evidence Ronaldo touched the ball.

Uruguay had little choice but to flood forward as they searched for an equaliser in the latter stages of the game.

That left space for Portugal to hit them on the counterattack and the Portuguese used the space to their advantage as Fernandes played the ball through the legs of Jose Gimenez, who was adjudged to have handled the ball.

With Ronaldo off the field, Fernandes stepped up to convert the penalty and seal a 2-0 win for Portugal.

It was not a fantastic performance by Portugal and their football did not catch the eye.

However, with a match against South Korea to come, they possess individuals who are capable of brilliance and will pose a real threat to anyone they meet in the knockout stages.

Having had 15 shots in the game and only 3 on target, Portugal will want to be more clinical in-front of goal.

Uruguay have left themselves needing a win over Ghana in their final group game to have a chance of going through. They started this match defensively and it was clear their gameplan was to try and keep a clean sheet, with scoring a goal a secondary objective.

That being said, Rodrigo Bentancur embarked on a fantastic solo run in the first half but hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper. Into the second half and Maxi Gomez hit the post as Uruguay pushed for an equaliser.

The ageing strike force of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez provided little threat and Darwin Nunez looked off the pace, with some poor touches in the final third and penalty area.

The match statistics show Uruguay matched Portugal in terms of shots on target (3) in the game but their conservative approach, especially in the first half, did not produce the desired result.

Uruguay face Ghana in their final group fixture in what is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup quarter final.

Ghana will feel they have a score to settle from that match and it is going to be a massive game for both nations. Portugal know a point against South Korea will be enough to see them finish top of the group.