World Cup 2022: Portugal qualifies with Uruguay win as pitch invader flies rainbow flag

Lusail, Qatar - Bruno Fernandes scored a brace to lead Portugal to a 2-0 win over Uruguay and secured his team in the last 16 of the World Cup in Qatar.

Cristiano Ronaldo (l.) and Bruno Fernandes celebrate after Portugal opens the scoring against Uruguay.
Cristiano Ronaldo (l.) and Bruno Fernandes celebrate after Portugal opens the scoring against Uruguay.  © REUTERS

In a game that saw very few shots on target, Fernandes broke the deadlock in the 54th. He tried to find Cristiano Ronaldo in the box, but his cross went straight into the net.

The 37-year-old had attempted a header and celebrated the goal as his own, but FIFA ultimately credited it to Fernandes.

Portugal were awarded a controversial penalty in stoppage time after Jose Gimenez was penalized for handball. With Ronaldo already subbed off, his former Man Utd teammate took the spot-kick to complete his brace and seal the win for Portugal.

Alex Morgan to play for Team USA in Women's Gold Cup after Mia Fishel injury
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A late strike on the post denied him a hat-trick.

Uruguay, meanwhile, will regret missing some major chances. In the first half, Rodrigo Bentacur was face-to-face with Diogo Costa, but had his effort impressively saved by the keeper. Then, when Portugal was already leading, Maxi Gómez hit the post and Luis Suárez only found the outside of the net.

There was also a brief stoppage when a person holding a rainbow flag and wearing a shirt with "Save Ukraine" written on the front and "Respect For Iranian Women" on the back invaded the pitch.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar, and the World Cup hosts have been widely criticized for its handling of the LGBTQ+ community, among other things.

Portugal top Group H with six points and will wrap the group stage against South Korea on Friday. Uruguay have an all-or-nothing game against Ghana, who need only a draw to advance after beating South Korea 3-2 earlier.

Cover photo: REUTERS

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