Bruno Fernandes' brace against Uruguay secures last-16 for Portugal

Manchester United midfield maestro, 

scored twice as Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0, booking a place in 2022 World Cup’s last-16 round.

Fernando Santos’ men were the favorites going into the match, having beaten Ghana 3-2 in their World cup opener. Uruguay however, had drawn their first match against South Korea and with Ghana beating Korea were in need of points to maintain their hopes of qualifying.

Despite the match being far from quiet, the first half didn’t have any goals as both Rochet and Costa were tested a few times. Tottenham midfielder, Bentancur, had the biggest chance in the first half but was denied from scoring.

However, both teams went up a gear in the second half in terms of generating chances, culminating in a cross from Bruno Fernandes which was seemingly headed by Ronaldo into the goal in the 54th minute. The goal was then credited to Fernandes upon review, as Ronaldo’s head didn’t touch the ball, and the cross went directly in.

Uruguay then responded well with Pellistri, Cavani and Valverde mounting threats in

’s goal but none were able to score as the game went into its last quarter.

Late in the game a Bruno Fernandes dribble was blocked by Gimenez’s hand in the box which upon further review with VAR, was given as a penalty by referee Alireza Faghani. Fernandes scored to complete his brace in the 92nd minute and even went on to hit the post once after the penalty to make it three but the match ended 2-0.

Portugal needs only a point against South Korea to top their group as

faces Ghana on the final to determine the other qualified team of the group.

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