Portugal are the latest team to qualify for the knockout stage of ongoing World Cup in Qatar after they secured a 2-0 win over Uruguay Monday night at the Lusail Stadium.
Portugal opened the game having made several changes. The 4-3-3 shape remained the same, but Otávio’s injury pushed Bruno Fernandes to the right wing spot as William Carvalho came in at left center midfield to take Fernandes’ spot. Then in the backline, left back Nuno Mendes and 39-year-old center back Pepe came in for Raphael Guerreiro and Danilo Pereira, both of whom struggled against Ghana.
Uruguay came out a 3-5-2, a similar shape to its 0-0 draw against South Korea. Edinson Cavani replaced Luis Suárez up top while Guillermo Varela came in for Facundo Pellistri in the right midfield/right wing back role.
Bruno Fernandes with a man-of-the-match performance scored the two goals that ensured the qualification of the former European Champions for the Round of 16 with a game to spare.
Just as was the case in their group opener against Ghana, Portugal fired blanks in the first half despite creating a couple of chances.
But the deadlock was finally broken in the 54th minute when a cross from Fernandes floated past Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet.
The goal was formerly given to Cristiano Ronaldo who appeared to have had a slight glancing header on the ball before it was given rightly to the Manchester United star.
Portugal’s second win in two games put them top of Group H on six points and heading into the last 16. Uruguay, third on one point, must beat Ghana in their final group game to have a chance of progressing.
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Portugal will need to win or tie against South Korea on Friday to guarantee a first-place finish. A loss and a Ghana win against Uruguay would have it come down to goal differential.
