Fernandes bags brace as Portugal seal last 16 berth

Doha: Portugal booked their place in the round of 16 inspired by a Bruno Fernandes second-half brace which sealed a 2-0 win for A Selacao despite a valiant effort from Uruguay at Lusail Stadium yesterday. 

The result means the South Americans, with one point, must beat Ghana and hope South Korea, also with a point, fail to win against Portugal in their final group game on Friday to have a chance to qualify.

The 2016 European champions were forced to call on veteran Pepe back into the squad due to an injury to Danilo Pereira. The 39-year-old stood tall in defence as Fernando Santos’ side kept a much-desired clean sheet in front of a full-capacity stadium (88,668).

“It’s an amazing feeling to qualify for the next round, our main goal has been achieved, but we still have another game,” Ruben Neves told reporters after the game. 

“We are completely focused on the next game; we are happy to qualify; it doesn’t matter who scores.”

Santos had said his side were focused on sealing qualification for the next round but didn’t start the game with the same intensity as they failed to muster a shot on target in the second half despite enjoying the lion’s share of the ball.

Uruguay had the first shot though not on target, as Mathias Oliveira flashed a shot high and wide off the mark. 

Portugal countered immediately as William Carvalho’s drive zipped past Sergio Rochet’s goal from a deft Cristiano Ronaldo pass.

With both sides struggling to create any chance, Portugal seemed the more composed of the sides and had possession earlier as Ronaldo hit a free-kick against the wall.

However, Rodrigo Bentancur forced a save from Portugal’s Diogo Costa after a brilliant run from the midfielder saw him drive through the Portuguese defence, but Costa rushed out of his goal to snuff out the threat.

Uruguay seemed to pose a threat every time they came forward, and Bentancur, again with another run, almost found a teammate; however, the ball rolled out harmlessly for a goal kick as both teams headed into the changing rooms for half-time.

Portugal started the second half more energised, and Joao Felix found the side netting a few minutes in. The Portuguese soon went ahead in the 54th minute with Fernandes and Ronaldo involved. 

Fernandes’ cross into the path of Ronaldo missed the forward by mere inches but flew into the left hand corner of the goalkeeper.

Uruguay seemed energised after conceding the opener, but Edinson Cavani scuffed an attempt straight at Costa. 

The Portuguese goalkeeper soon made another save from Nunez’s low drive.

As Uruguay pressed for an equaliser Portugal’s defence started showing signs of weakness as Costa made multiple saves to keep his side in the match.

Uruguay created better chances, and substitute Maximilliano Gomez soon rattled the post from just outside the box, with Costa well beaten.

Luis Suarez, on as a sub for fellow veteran Cavani, saw his effort narrowly miss the mark. Costa again saved Portugal’s blushes with another save from Guillermo Varela’s effort as Uruguay stretched the Portuguese defence.

Fernandes put the game to bed in added time to kill all Uruguayan hopes of a comeback. Iranian referee Alireza Faghani consulted VAR for a handball by Jose Jimenez and pointed to the spot. Fernandes stepped up and made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

The Manchester United man almost completed his hat-trick in added time, but Rochet stood tall to parry it out. Fernandes could have added his third again, but his effort from just outside the box bounced off the right post with Rochet scrambling.

“I think it was a great match; we played well and got the win,” Portugal coach Santos said.

“We need to improve the different combinations on the ball and prevent the opponent from coming into our box. The first 15 minutes was different from our previous match, and we had control and became more aggressive. When we play like that, we get everyone involved because our objective is t score. We need to improve, but of course, we focus on the positive aspects,” Santos added.