Fernandes double powers impressive Portugal into last 16
LUSAIL, Qatar — Cristiano Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration, acting as though he had scored once again at the World Cup. Not this time.
Instead, Bruno Fernandes was eventually credited with the goal that set up Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday, advancing the team into the last 16.
Fernandes curled in a cross from the left that barely went over the head of the leaping Ronaldo and bounced into the far corner of the net in the 54th minute to give Portugal a 1-0 lead.
A grinning Ronaldo threw his arms in the air, suggesting he got the final touch, and was embracing Fernandes as multiple closeup replays were being shown on the big screens in Lusail Stadium.
Alas for Ronaldo, the goal wound up being awarded to Fernandes, who added a second from the penalty spot in stoppage time after a handball by Jose Maria Gimenez as he slid in to challenge the Manchester United playmaker.
“I don’t really think it matters who scored,” Fernandes said about the first goal. “The feeling at the time was that he (Ronaldo) touched the ball — I was crossing it to him — but what’s important was we moved into the next round and beat a very big opponent.”
Fernandes was denied a hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game, his shot from outside the area hitting the post and bouncing wide.
Portugal, which opened with a 3-2 win over Ghana, became the third team to reach the last 16 after France and Brazil.
Uruguay has one point from two matches and needs to beat Ghana on Friday to stand a chance of advancing. The 2010 semifinalist has yet to score a goal at this tournament, with coach Diego Alonso even putting 35-year-old striker Luis Suarez on the bench in search of the right combination up front.
Portugal has no such worries. The team has scored five goals in two games and Fernandes has had a hand in four of them as he dictates play in his role as the team’s No 10.
Ronaldo was unable to add to the penalty he scored against Ghana, which took his World Cup tally to eight goals from five tournaments and his men’s record of international goals to 118.
He still was the center of attention, though, illuminating a lackluster first half with tricks and flicks that brought gasps from the crowd inside the World Cup’s largest venue, where Ronaldo will hope to return for the final on Dec 18.
There was a booming layoff with his right shoulder for teammate William Carvalho to volley over in the opening minutes. There was a double step-over and no-look pass that was nothing more than showboating. Then came an impressive chest control as he leapt to receive a cross toward the far post.
Ronaldo is now assured of at least two more matches in what is likely his final World Cup, and will play in the knockout stage for the fourth time in his career.
A draw against South Korea in its final Group H match will secure first place for Portugal, and likely avoid a last-16 meeting with Brazil.
As for Uruguay, a must-win game awaits against Ghana — a repeat of the 2010 quarterfinal won by the South American team in a penalty shootout after Suarez was sent off for a handball on the line in stoppage time of extra time.
Suarez might be recalled for that match after making an impact off the bench against Portugal, shooting just wide from close range after fellow substitute Maxi Gomez curled a shot against the post.
“We’ll need to gamble more. We need to be a bold team,” Alonso said.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos praised his team’s performance.
“We are satisfied today, because we can move into the new stage,”
Santos said, commenting that he didn’t see the result as a revenge for Uruguay’s win over his side in the 2018 World Cup. “Those were different circumstances.”
“Two wins from two games is what I wanted for the team,” he said, brushing aside controversy over whether Fernandes or Ronaldo actually scored his side’s opening goal as the midfielder’s cross evaded everyone on its way into the Uruguay net.
“I think it was a great match, my team played well and the rest doesn’t matter,” laughed Santos, who demanded more from his side.
“We need to improve in our combinations and to prevent our opponents in attacking our area. There are things to improve, but we need to focus on positive aspects,” added the Portugal coach.
Santos said he “would not make many changes” for Portugal’s final group game against South Korea.
“We are going to look after our injured players, but we will have a side to win the next game. I trust my players, and anyone who plays will do well,” he concluded.