Portugal, after surviving a Ghana scare in its opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2022, came into its own with a clinical performance against South American side Uruguay to seal a spot in the Round of 16, thereby becoming the third team to qualify for the knockouts after France and Brazil. It was a night that belonged to Manchester united midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who was at the top of his game for the Fernando Santos side.
Portugal dominated the first half with the possession for the most part and even created a few chances but to no avail. The Uruguay players were starved of the ball and the hard work in the first half paid off for the Portuguese side in the second. Nine minutes into the second half, Fernandes’ cross went straight into the goal post, which Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that it brushed his head, but replays showed that, it wasn’t the case. Fernandes wasn’t done yet as he added the extra time goal to his name to end a successful night for himself personally and Portugal.
Joy at one corner, misery at the other – that was the case for Uruguay, who is yet to open their account in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. After playing a goalless draw against South Korea, the loss against Portugal has punctured the air out of the South American outfit’s campaign. However, the Diego Alonso side is sill not out of it yet and has the destiny in its own hands.
Uruguay have to win, as simple as that. Being at the bottom of the table, they will need a win to climb up the ladder and leave the likes of Ghana and South Korea behind. If they do manage to beat Ghana in their final Group H game, they will have to hope for Portugal’s victory against South Korea to join the European champions. If Uruguay and South Korea both win, the second team will be decided on the basis of goal difference.
But if Uruguay loses or draws the game, it will be out of the tournament since Ghana has a win under its belt beating the Korean side. Ghana will go through if it wins against Uruguay but if it’s a draw, its qualification will depend on the result of South Korea’s clash against the current Group H toppers Portugal.
