PORTUGAL NODS ON WINNERS

FROM FRONT PAGE had touched the ball. My aim was to cross the ball for him.

“We are happy with the victory regardless of who scored. The most important thing is that we achieved our aim which is to be in the next round.”

Fernandes sent over a cross from the left in the 54th minute which floated beyond Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, and with the ball in the back of the net Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration of his ‘Head of God’ goal.

And it was Fernandes who made sure of the win by converting a penalty in the 93rd minute.

Portugal boss Fernando Santos (above) refused to comment on the debate over Fernandes’ first goal. But when asked about Ronaldo’s overall contortion, said: “Ronaldo played a great game but all our team played a great performance.”