World Cup 2022: Bruno Fernandes' Brace Takes Portugal To The Round Of 16

Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo (Twitter @selacaoportugal)

JAKARTA - Portugal will face Uruguay in the second match of Group H for the 2022 World Cup at Doha's Lusail Stadium, Monday local time. The Selecao won 2-0 through a brace from Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

The first half went with few chances for both teams. Portugal may have had more possession, but it was Uruguay who came closest to scoring via a solo run from Rodrigo Bentancur. However, Diogo Costa managed to restrain the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

Both teams tried to find goals, but the first half closed with the score 0-0

After halftime, Fernandes took the Selecao to a one-ball lead. Crossing into the La Celeste penalty box, the midfielder's shot seemed to touch Cristiano Ronaldo and into the goal.

However, the goal belonged to Fernades.

Uruguay tried to reply. Maximiliano Gomez had a shot from outside the area in the 74th minute but hit the post. Despite the woodwork, Uruguay grew increasingly aggressive.

Four minutes before the end of normal time, Federico Valverde's shot from outside the penalty box was too high. Receiving Bentancur's pass following a set piece situation, the Real Madrid midfielder failed to take advantage of the opportunity.

Instead of equalizing, Portugal widened the margin after being awarded a penalty in injury time. Again, Fernandes successfully executed the ball.

A brace for Bruno! ⚽⚽#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/KyX1fMbv29

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 28, 2022

With this 2-0 win, Portugal is certain to qualify for the last 16 because they have collected 6 points. Meanwhile, Uruguay still has 1 point and must beat Ghana in the last match of Group H if they want to go to the knockout round.

Player line-up

Portugal (4-5-1): Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Nuno Mendes; William Carvalho, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix; Cristiano Ronaldo (captain)

Coach: Fernando Santos (Portugal)

Uruguay (3-5-2): Sergio Rochet; Jose Maria Gimenez, Diego Godin (capt), Sebastian Coates; Guillermo Varela, Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Matias Vecino Mathias Olivera; Edinson Cavani, Darwin Nunez

Coach: Diego Alonso (Uruguay)

Referee: Alireza Faghani (Iran)