In the last match of matchday 2 of the World Cup group stage, Portugal beat a ferocious Uruguay to book a place in the round of 16.
Whose target is it anyway?
Bruno Fernandes was the standout player, almost scoring a hat-trick to cap off an excellent performance. In the 54th minute, Fernandes slotted a ball into the goalmouth, presumably intended for Cristiano Ronaldo, who got up to meet it on its way to the goal.
However, Ronaldo never made contact with the ball. That did not stop him from celebrating and claiming the goal on the field. The officials later confirmed that the goal was Bruno’s. This goal may be a living metaphor for drama off the pitch. A talented Portuguese side is sometimes overlooked for a certain striker who yearns for glory and the limelight.
Ronaldo’s new role
It could be argued that if Ronaldo hadn’t been there, Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet would have taken the cross shot. Could this be the role that Fernando Santos has wanted for Ronaldo all along?
Ronaldo’s presence on the pitch attracts defensive attention, creating space for the likes of Bernardo Silva, João Félix and Bruno Fernandes. Portugal dominated possession and created more chances. There was a lot of intent going forward as William Carvalho and João Félix fired determined shots down the middle.
Scoreline hiding the cracks
Despite the end result, not everything was rosy for Portugal. The scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story. On the way to the 2-0 victory, Uruguay came close many times.
In the first half, Tottenham striker Rodrigo Bentancur plowed past three Portuguese defenders before attempting to slot the goal between Diogo Costa’s legs. Fortunately, Costa stayed glued to the ground as he made the save and Bentancur was denied.
In the 42nd minute, PSG left-back Nuno Mendes was substituted due to injury. Raphaël Guerreiro came on as a substitute. In the second half, Guerreiro was terrified down the left flank. Time after time the Uruguayan attack was able to get past Guerreiro and get a cross or a cut pass. The rest of the Portuguese defense knew how to take a step forward, but the weak point was clear.
What comes next?
Portugal plays its last group game against South Korea on Friday. With six points from their first two games, the Portuguese have secured their place in the round of 16.
All eyes will be on what happens in Group G to see who their opponents will be. Portugal will need just one point to finish top of Group H. The winners of Group H play the runners-up of Group G.
Although, mathematically, any of the teams in Group G could finish as runners-up, it would take a combination of results for Brazil not to win the Group. This leaves the runner-up spot open for one from Switzerland, Cameroon or Serbia.
Photo credit: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT
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