Despite Ronaldo’s attempt to steal credit, Fernandes leads Portugal to World Cup knockouts.
Bruno Fernandes scored both goals as Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 on Monday to advance to the last phase of the 2022 World Cup.
Fernandes made the difference for Portugal in a hard-fought game at Lusail Stadium, leaving Uruguay at the bottom of Group H and needing to beat Ghana to advance.
Portugal proves itself in Qatar
Portugal joined France and Brazil in the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022, but nobody should overlook this Portugal team.
They beat a tough Uruguay without Ronaldo’s goals. Without a last-minute miss, Manchester United’s Fernandes would have scored a hat-trick in Qatar.
Midfielder Fernandes is one of many Portugal stars overshadowed by Ronaldo. Portugal has Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, and Pepe.
Portugal is usually a threat at major events, although its last international win was Euro 2016.
As the World Cup enters the elimination stages, top teams should avoid Portugal since they can beat anyone and could win this year.
2. Ronaldo’s goal-hungry tactics
Ronaldo has scored almost 800 goals in his career, but he tried to steal one against Uruguay.
The 37-year-old, who left Manchester United this week, scored a penalty in Portugal’s 3-2 win against Ghana in their World Cup opener in Qatar.
He also tried to deny Fernandes the initial goal by celebrating as if he had headed in the midfielder’s cross.
At first sight, Ronaldo’s head seemed to barely touch the ball, but his response showed he had. Replays indicated Ronaldo hadn’t touched or deflected the ball into the net.
When the large displays in the Lusail Stadium announced that Fernandes had been awarded the goal, Ronaldo’s response was recorded on camera: He looked at the screen and gave what appeared to be a nervous giggle to disguise his dismay or shock.
Fernando Santos substituted Ronaldo with a similar look.
Cynic Uruguay is hard.
Uruguay’s 3.5 million citizens have always been disproportionately blessed with world-class football talent.
When their outstanding attacking players don’t dominate, Uruguay relies on a more physical style, notably against Portugal.
Diego Alonso’s players tried to kill the game with late challenges, shirt tugging, and over-physicality. Uruguayan players tried to scuff up Fernandes’ penalty, but Portugal defended it.
Uruguay has always produced strong, devoted players, which is why Luis Suarez, Diego Godin, and Edinson Cavani have prospered in Europe.
Aside from a late flurry of attacks, Uruguay played as though pleased with a draw and crossed the line multiple times. Rodrigo Bentancur and Mathias Olivera received yellow cards but were not sent off.
It’s a shame to see a talented squad perform so poorly when they have the players to beat any side.
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