by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Portugal advanced to the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup with a 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday in Lusail, Qatar.
After a goalless first half, the breakthrough came on a cross from Bruno Fernandes in the 54th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo was initially credited with the goal, although it was unclear whether he made contact with the ball before it found the back of the net.
Bleacher Report @Bleacher Report
PORTUGAL GOAL 1-0 🔥
FOX Soccer @FOX Soccer
Ronaldo was originally credited for the goal, should it belong to Bruno Fernandes? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/RuMuMAEA0T
Fans had a lot of fun on social media with the uncertainty:
Kyle Koster (parody impersonation) @Kyle Koster
Ronaldo tries to claim that goal for himself pic.twitter.com/49FUGDQOoH
Jonathan Soveta @eighteen yards
jorge mendes calls up fifa hq to credit ronaldo for the goal pic.twitter.com/ChOdtH7s0g
Alex Shephard @alex_shephard
Cristiano Ronaldo claims the goal pic.twitter.com/yg5OYkLKaV
FIFA eventually changed the record to recognize Fernandes as the goalscorer, which may not sit well with Ronaldo once he has been informed of the ruling.
Betfair @Betfair
Ronaldo when he hears that FIFA has credited Fernandes’ goal…#POR | #URU | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/1zdjYPEgXW
Having the goal taken from him epitomized a largely forgettable performance from the 37-year-old, who was subbed off in the 82nd minute. The match did little to suppress the argument Portugal would be better off if he moved to the bench.
Considering how much control they had before that point, it felt like the Seleção could start to pour it on after Fernandes’ opener. Instead, Uruguay pushed hard for an equalizer and almost scored one on several occasions.
Coach Fernando Santos may have come to regret substituting Ruben Neves for Rafael Leão in the 69th minute.
A handball by José Giménez gave the Portuguese a penalty in the second minute of extra time against the run of play. Fernandes converted from the spot to complete a brace and put the match to bed.
Portugal wrap up group play on Friday against South Korea, coming off the back of a 3-2 loss to Ghana that dropped them to the bottom of Group H.
FIFA uses target difference rather than head-to-head results as the first tiebreaker. As a result, Portugal are yet to secure top spot in the group, although they have already beaten Ghana.
A draw will be enough Friday to take first in the group.
