(Football news) Portugal needed a win to secure qualification for the Round of 16 and that is exactly what they did. Ferando Santos made three changes to the starting XI that defeated Ghana. Pepe replaced Danilo Pereira at center back while William Carvalho replaced Otavio in midfield. Nuno Mendes started as the left back but unfortunately had to go off due to injury. The injury looked bad as he was in tears while being replaced by Raphael Guerrero. Uruguay benched Luis Suarez in favor of Edinson Cavani as they switched from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2. 

From minute one Portugal had control of the ball and were dictating play. Uruguay were defending very deep and even when they did launch a counter attack it wasn’t particularly dangerous. The biggest chance came when Rodrigo Bentancur dribbled past 3 Portuguese defenders but failed to get it past Diogo Costa. Portugal on the other hand continued playing with the same tactic with patient build up but couldn’t manage to test the Uruguay goalkeeper in the first half which ended goalless. 

The deadlock was finally broken in the 54th minute when Bruno Fernandes’ cross towards Cristiano Ronaldo found its way into the net. Ronaldo did look to claim the goal as the ball seemed to have touched his hair by the slightest of margins. In the end the goal was officially awarded to Bruno Fernandes. 

Uruguay came close a couple of times but in the end couldn’t score. The game was put to bed when Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty in injury time. The spot kick was awarded after a handball by Jose Gimenez which was a little controversial. Bruno came very close to getting his hat-trick but his shot in the final moments hit the post. The match ended 2-0 and Portugal qualified for the Round of 16 and unless something crazy happens they will finish on top of the table.

Uruguay will now play aknockout game against Ghana but looking at the way they are playing Ghana are clear favorites. Uruguay rely too much on long balls and don’t play between the lines. Fede Valverde is having almost no impact on the game as the tactics are not getting the best out of him. They need to switch things up for the next match if they want to qualify for the next round. South Korea needs to beat Portugal and hope that Uruguay defeats Ghana by a big margin in order to qualify.

Also read: 2022 World Cup: Brazil progress to knockouts with win over Switzerland