Portugal booked a justified victory over Uruguay on Monday evening: 2-0. A direct cross from Bruno Fernandes provided the first goal of the evening. For a moment it seemed that Cristiano Ronaldo was still catching the ball, but the goal was later awarded to his teammate. In stoppage time, Fernandes also scored his second goal of the evening from the penalty spot. With this second victory in Group H, Portugal is already certain of the next round at the World Cup.
The Portuguese started tonight with two changes compared to the game against Ghana (3-2 win) last Thursday. National coach Fernando Santos could not rely on Danilo Pereira, who is struggling with broken ribs, in the center of the back. As a result, the now 39-year-old Pepe was placed next to Manchester City star Rúben Dias. Nuno Mendes played at left back, at the expense of a starting place for Raphaël Guerreiro. Luis Suárez had to make way for Edinson Cavani at Uruguay. In addition, national coach Diego Alonso opted for a 5-3-2 formation.
In the initial phase, the initiative was for Portugal. Got beyond a few pinpricks A Selecao however not. The first big chance of the game was for Rodrigo Bentancur: the Uruguayan managed to pass no less than three defenders with one wonderful movement, but then saw his shot parried by goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Just before the break, Mendes left the field in tears due to an injury. The left back of Paris Saint-Germain suddenly went to the ground without an opponent in the area, after which Guerreiro was allowed to take office as a replacement.
Portugal took the lead after the break. A sharp cross from Bruno Fernandes ended up directly behind goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. At first it seemed that Cristiano Ronaldo still touched the ball, but FIFA eventually officially awarded the goal to the creative Manchester United midfielder. Fifteen minutes before the end, substitute Maximiliano Gómez saw his beautiful effort hit the post from just outside the penalty area.
In the final phase, Uruguay came close to the equalizer via chances for Suárez (side net) and Giorgian de Arrascaeta (save Costa), but it did not come to a goal. After a handball from José Gimenez, the final chord was for Bruno Fernandes from eleven meters, as Ronaldo had already been substituted. Cold-bloodedly, the 28-year-old right foot sent Rochet the wrong corner in 2-0. A hat trick was no longer possible the Mancunianwho hit the post with his last chance.
With this victory, the Portuguese can already prepare for the knockout phase of the prestigious final tournament. The last group match against South Korea awaits on Friday, while Uruguay can prepare for a decisive game against Ghana.