Fernandes’ big day sends Portugal to final 16
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 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 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 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.
CAMEROON RALLIES FOR TIE Cameroon 3, Serbia
Cameroon staged an impressive comeback to earn a draw against Serbia despite replacing its goalkeeper at the last minute.
Andre Onana, who plays for Italian club Inter Milan, wasn’t in Cameroon’s lineup or even at the stadium to watch the Group G match.
Coach Rigobert Song said he dropped his starting goalkeeper for “disciplinary reasons,” but didn’t give any specifics.
“In a group you need to respect the rules that apply to everybody, and I prefer to ensure that the team takes precedence over individuals,” Song said. “If you can’t fit in with what’s required to be part of a squad, then I do think that you need to step up to the plate and accept responsibility for that.”
Song replaced Onana with Devis Epassy, who made only his sixth international appearance.
“I took a risk, I realize that,” Song said. “Maybe we’re going to have to explain what happened later.”
Song said Onana hasn’t been kicked out of the squad and didn’t rule him out of Cameroon’s last group stage match against Brazil on Friday.
“For the time being I’ve asked him to wait and we’ll see if he’s going to stay with us,” Song said. “It’s up to him as well to a certain extent. He’s going to have to agree to respect the rules to perhaps come into the squad.”
Onana, who has 34 international caps, made no comment on the decision except posting the starting lineup, with his notable absence, on Instagram.
Epassy said he found out Sunday night he would replace Onana, who offered him encouragement.
KUDUS LIFTS GHANA Ghana 3, South Korea 2:
Mohammed Kudus said there wasn’t much difference between the way Ghana played in its opening World Cup match against Portugal or its second game against South Korea.
Except the result, of course.
Kudus scored twice, including the go-ahead goal after the South Koreans evened the match in the second half, and Ghana staved off elimination with a clutch victory.
Mohammed Salisu also scored for the Black Stars, who were disappointed after a close 3-2 opening
loss to Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal and were in need of points against South Korea for a chance to reach the knockout round in Qatar.
“I think the game against Portugal was one of the best games you can have. The energy and the commitment from the whole team was good. So we approached this game the same way,” Kudus said. “We have the same mentality game after game after game, so we are going in the same direction with the same energy no matter who we play.”
Down 2-0, Cho Guesung scored both of South Korea’s goals about three minutes apart early in the second half to even the game at 2-2.
But Kudus’ low leftfooted goal in the 68th minute sailed out of the reach of goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to give the Black Stars back the lead. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi preserved the victory with a leaping save off Cho’s attempt in
stoppage time.
BALE NOT READY TO SAY BYE YET
With Wales on the verge of World Cup elimination, Gareth Bale was dismissive when asked if Tuesday’s game against England could be the last for his country.
“Nope,” was his oneword answer. He chose not to elaborate.
While questions hang over Bale’s long-term future, Wales’ concerns are more immediate.
If Wales fails to beat England in its final Group B game, it is out of the World Cup. But even a win might not be enough to secure qualification to the knockout stages.
“We’re disappointed in the results and the performances,” Bale said Monday.
Meanwhile, England striker Harry Kane will be available. Kane took a hit on his ankle in England’s opening game against Iran and looked off the pace in the 0-0 draw with the United States.