Fernandes shines as Portugal seal Last-16 spot

A Bruno Fernandes' double secured Portugal an important 2-0 win over Uruguay at Lusail Iconic Stadium, which guarantees their place in the World Cup's Last 16.

Action: As it happened against Ghana, Portugal took control of the game since the beginning, but never created any clear cut chances in the first minutes, while Uruguay were happy to sit back and pounce on a quick counter.

In a 45 minutes with not much action, the only chance to highligh came from the South American country ,who nearly went in front after Rodrigo Bentancur found a way through Portugal’s defence but failed to beat Diogo Costa from a one-on-one situation.

The second-half remained the same with Portugal dominating and they managed to break the deadlock in the 54th minute when Bruno Fernandes pinged a ball into the box that Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to headed it into the back of the net. However, on closer inspection the goal, originally given to Ronaldo, was credited to his former Manchester United teammate Fernandes.

After conceding the goal, La Celeste reacted and created panic in Portugal's box in the following minutes.

Shortly after being introduced, Maxi Gomez was close to level the game as he got a pass played to him on the edge of the box and struck it first time, only to be stopped by the post.

A free kick from the left found it's way to substitute Luis Suarez about seven yards out, his instinctive finish hit the side netting. 

Fernando Santos' were hanging on but they managed to put the game to bed in the first minute of stoppage time after VAR spotted a handball incident involving Bruno Fernandes and Jose Gimenez.

From the spot, Fernandes gave Sergio Rochet no chance, rolling the ball to his left after a trademark stuttering run-up. 

In the last minute of stoppage time, United's no. 8 was close to a hat-trick as his low drive from 22 yards hit the outside of the post.

Big Picture: With this win, Portugal become the third nation after France and Brazil to qualify to the next round.

The Portuguese are top of the group with six points, while Uruguay now sit bottom with 1 point, below South Korea on goal difference. Ghana are in second following their 3-2 win over South Korea earlier on Monday.

Portugal will only need a point against South Korea to top the group while Uruguay require a win against Ghana and to better the South Koreans' result to get through. Both games will be played on Friday.

Man of the match: Bruno Fernandes. Another great performance from Man United's midifielder, stepping up when his nation most needed him. Two goals and two assists in the two first World Cup games is a great sign.

Magical moment: Diogo Costa's save in the first half to stop Bentacur's attempt probably goes unnoticed after Portugal's win, but it was key for his nation's result. A brilliant save that helps clean his mind after the Ghana incident.

Reaction: Bruno Fernandes: "We are happy with the victory regardless of who scored. The most important thing is that we achieved our aim which is to be in the next round. I celebrated (the opener against Uruguay) 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."

xG: Portugal (1.36) 2-0 (1.46) Uruguay

Stat of the Day: Five players aged 35+ have appeared in this game – Pepe (39), Ronaldo (37), Godin (36), Suarez (35) and Cavani (35) – the most in a World Cup match in history.

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