Portugal controlled the majority of possession and dominated for the whole of the Group H match, but struggled to create clear-cut chances until the second half in a game in which Uruguay appeared exhausted and out of sorts.
Portugal enters to the Round of 16 of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after beating Uruguay
Cristiano Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration, as if he had scored yet another World Cup goal. Instead, Bruno Fernandes got credit with the goal that set up Portugal‘s 2-0 victory over Uruguay on Monday, advancing the side to the round of 16.
In the 54th minute, Fernandes curled in a cross from the left that barely got over the head of the leaping Ronaldo and landed into the far corner of the net to give Portugal a 1-0 lead.
A happy face Ronaldo threw his arms in the air, indicating he had the final touch, and was hugging Fernandes as multiple close-up replays were shown on the big screens in Lusail Stadium.
Fernandes scored after a handball by Jose Maria Gimenez, who added a second penalty in stoppage time.
Fernandes was denied a hat trick with the game’s final kick, his attempt from outside the area striking the post and falling 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 games and must defeat Ghana on Friday to advance.
