Ronald misses out on landmark goal

DOHA. — It was the moment Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had joined Eusebio as Portugal’s World Cup record goalscorer — well, for a couple of minutes anyway.

The Portuguese forward’s jubilant celebrations convinced everyone his head had got the last touch to Bruno Fernandes’ cross for the crucial opener in his country’s 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday night.

Not only was it a goal that sent Portugal on their way to qualification for the knock-out stages with a game to spare, it was also going to be his ninth World Cup strike — bringing him level with the great Eusebio.

But then came the uncertainty. While Ronaldo was clearly convinced it was his goal, the replays were not so conclusive.

Initially named as the goalscorer, it wasn’t long before the goal was taken away from him and given to former Manchester United teammate Fernandes.

Cameras panned on the 37-year-old as Fernandes was named as the goalscorer on the public address system and his bemused smile summed up most people’s confusion. Who did score that goal? A question we might never really know the answer to.

Fernandes went on to score a second from the penalty spot as Portugal comfortably booked their place in the last 16.

Fernandes said he thought Ronaldo had scored Portugal’s opener in their win over Uruguay on Monday even though he was credited with the goal.

The Manchester United midfielder’s cross towards Ronaldo flew straight in but the veteran striker was a whisker away from making contact with the ball. Fernandes added the second from the penalty spot late on after Uruguay were penalised for handball and he was chosen as man of the match.

The win guaranteed Portugal’s progress to the last 16 in Qatar.

“I celebrated as if it had been Cristiano’s goal, it seemed to me that he had touched the ball, my aim was to cross the ball for him,” Fernandes said.

“What’s important is that we were able to go to the next round and (secure) a very important win against a very tough opponent.”

Fernandes warned that Portugal would have to be at their best in their final group match on Friday against South Korea, with a point enough to guarantee them top spot in Group H.

“We know we will find a very organised team in front of us with a huge skill-set, as we’ve seen in their last matches,” added Fernandes.

“We’ve played at different times and that has allowed us to watch South Korea play. Our objective is to win every match, and we have one ahead of us.”

Portugal coach Fernando Santos chose to praise the whole team instead of focusing on Fernandes.