Bruno Fernandes claimed that Cristiano Rojo was able to touch the ball for the first goal scored by the midfielder in Portugal’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay Monday. The result saw his side advance to the World Cup last 16
Fernandes scored the goal in place of Ronaldo who had originally been awarded it to him. Fernandes took the opportunity to flick the ball past Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet at 54 minutes. The ball was ruled to have passed just above Ronaldo’s head by the officials, which denied him the opportunity of drawing level with Eusebio as the record World Cup goal scorer.
“The feeling that I felt was Cristiano touching the ball. Fernandes explained that Fernandes was passing the ball on to him. “It matters that we are going through to round two after facing a very tough opponent.
Portugal won their two opening games in the World Cup in Qatar beating Ghana 3-2 last Monday, before winning over Uruguay on Monday. Uruguay were eliminated from the tournament in Russia in 2018.
Fernandes, a Manchester United teammate up until last week when Ronaldo’s and the club broke apart, scored his second goal in additional time. Fernandes, who was already substituted by Ronaldo, took over penalty-taking duties. Fernandes scored from the spot.
Fernando Santos, Portugal’s manager, dismissed media suggestions that he might not field a strong Portugal side against South Korea after securing qualification for the knockout round. This would allow key players to rest.
“First place isn’t guaranteed,” Santos said. “We will compete for top spot and not just because Brazil is our country.”
Brazil are expected to win Group G. This would make them the runners-up for Group H currently dominated Portugal.
On Friday, Santos’ men will play against South Korea in their final group match.
Santos answered a question about the severity and extent of injury sustained by Nuno Méndez, left-back, during the first period. He said that he would wait for the results of medical tests.
Danilo pereira, Portugal’s centre-half missed the Uruguay match after breaking three ribs while training. Otavio was also out of the game as he was injured before Monday’s game.
Uruguay, who were expected to win Qatar, will now be forced out by a Ghanaian side that was buoyed after their thrilling 3-2 victory over South Korea.
After two games, South Americans are bottom of the group. Ghana is in second place with three points.
12 years ago in South Africa, Uruguay beat Ghana on penalties to reach the semi-finals.
Uruguay forward Luis Suarez deliberately handled a ball on the goalline into extra time in order to prevent a certain goal. Asamoah Yiyan missed the next spot-kick. Uruguay paid the price for Suarez’s dismissal in the shootout.
Uruguay manager Diego Alonso however dismissed the importance and said his team would improve for what will likely be a close encounter.
He stated, “It is a different story for both of us.” “We’ll both look for qualifications. Friday will be decisive. However, it is a completely different story than 12 years ago.
“The team needs to be more open-minded and motivated to play like we were in the second quarter today. To be the brave team in qualifiers and second half today, we need to take risks.