Yet again, it’s all about Ronaldo

Steve Douglas of AP

Cristiano Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration, acting as though he had scored once again at the World Cup.

Not this time. Instead, it was Bruno Fernandes eventually credited with the goal that set up Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay, 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 close-up 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.

‘‘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, who opened with a 3-2 win over Ghana, became the third team to reach the last 16 after France and Brazil.

Uruguay have one point from two matches and need to beat

Ghana to stand a chance of advancing after Ghana edged South Korea 3-2. The 2010 semifinalists have 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 have 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.

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 centre of attention, though, illuminating a lacklustre first half with tricks and flicks that brought gasps from the crowd.

There was a booming layoff with his right shoulder for teammate William Carvalho to volley over in the opening minutes. There was a double stepover 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.

Casemiro got the goal that gave Brazil a 1-0 win over Switzerland, and with it qualification for the round of 16.

Ghana’s 3-2 win over South Korea gives them a good chance of qualifying for the knockout phase.

GETTY IMAGES Ronaldo Caption1 was again the centre of attention but for a goal he didn’t score for Portugal in their win over Uruguay. The goal was credited to Bruno Fernandes, who celebrates with Ronaldo. Fernandes scored Portugal’s second from the penalty spot late in the match.