Portugal qualified for the round of 16 at the Qatar 2022 World Cup after cruising past Uruguay on Monday night.
Bruno Fernandes was the star performer for the Europeans as he scored two goals to put his team into the second stage of the World Cup.
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Portugal took the lead after 54 minutes through Fernandes. His cross, which looked destined for Cristiano Ronaldo to head home, eluded the now-ex-Manchester United man and floated into the net past Uruguay’s Sergio Rochet Alvarez. After about five minutes, the goal was rightly awarded to Fernandes.
Uruguay had their chances to score, but Rodrigo Bentancur could not replicate his impressive goal-scoring record at Tottenham in his country’s colours. His shot went wide when he could have tested Diogo Costa in the Portuguese goal.
Fernandes got his second of the night from the penalty spot in the third minute of added time after Jose Maria Jimenez handled the ball in the box.
Fernandes almost got a hat-trick, but his shot from outside struck the post and went wide for a goal kick. On another opportunity, Rochet saved with his legs to deny the Manchester United midfielder.
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Uruguay are bottom of the group with one point from their draw with South Korea. They will hope to beat Ghana and also pray Portugal defeat South Korea to have a chance of progressing.
