Portugal have beaten Uruguay two-nil in an important Group H fixture at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha this morning.
A brace from Bruno Fernandes made all the difference in a game that Portugal dominated, despite a few moments of brilliance from Uruguay.
Portugal’s first goal was initially claimed with enthusiasm by Cristiano Ronaldo after he appeared to get the slightest of touches on Fernandes’ cross but an official review later awarded the goal to the midfielder.
Uruguay made a late charge after reviving their attack with the introduction of Luis Suárez and Maxi Gomez, with the latter clattering a well-struck curling effort into the post just seconds after being brought into the game.
Portugal wrapped up the game with a penalty in added time after the hand of Uruguay defender José María Giménez collided with the ball as he fell backwards after being nutmegged by Fernandes.
Fernandes stepped to the penalty spot to bury it low and slow into the net after his trademark hop step run up.
The win has secured Portugal’s qualification to the Round of 16, while Uruguay are left in need of a win against Ghana to keep their chances of progressing alive.
Source: rnz.co