Bruno Fernandes, a midfielder for Portugal, claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo may have actually scored the goal that was given to him – the first of his two goals in a 2-0 victory over Uruguay on Monday – but that it didn’t matter because it guaranteed Portugal’s progression to the next round of the World Cup.
In the 54th minute, Ronaldo appeared to misjudge Fernandes’ cross as it sailed barely past his head and fell into the goal, confusing Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. Ronaldo was credited with scoring Portugal’s first goal.
When Fernandes was named the official scorer over the stadium’s loudspeakers, Portugal’s captain was spotted chuckling while appearing to claim the goal with his celebrations.
“The feeling I had was that Cristiano touched the ball. I was passing the ball to him,” Fernandes told reporters. “What matters is that we’re going through to the next round after playing a very tough opponent.”
READ ALSO: World Cup: Neymar Praises Brazil’s Top Player After Switzerland’s Victory
Portugal has won its first two games at the World Cup in Qatar, defeating Ghana 3-2 last week before defeating Uruguay on Monday. Uruguay was the side that eliminated Portugal from the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Before Ronaldo and Manchester United abruptly split ways last week, Fernandes was a teammate of Ronaldo’s at Manchester United. He scored his second goal in extra time. Ronaldo had already been replaced when Fernandes took up the penalty kick responsibilities and scored.
After ensuring Portugal’s qualification for the knockout round, coach Fernando Santos dismissed media speculation that he could deploy a depleted Portugal team against South Korea to rest important players.
“First place isn’t guaranteed,” Santos said. “We will go for top spot, and not just because of Brazil.”
