Bruno Fernandes pulled a brace last night to hand Portugal a 2-0 victory over the experienced and much fancied Uruguayan side.
The yesternight’s results mean that the Seleção das Quinas has already qualified for the next round of 32, even before playing their last game, which will be against Korea Republic.
As it had been expected of the two sides with rich football exploits, the game was going to be a mouthwatering encounter – especially because they both pride themselves in having some of the best names in the current football world. Uruguay has the experienced defender in Diego Gordin, the ever-green Edison Cavani and former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez – among others. On the other side, Portugal had their skipper Cristiano Ronaldo, playmaker Bruno Fernandes, Benardo Silva and the experienced defender Pepe.
It was billed to be a tough encounter as in the earlier game of the same group, Ghana had defeated a tough South Korea by 3-2. In their first group games, Portugal defeated Ghana, while Uruguay had shared points with South Korea. This meant that both Uruguay and Portugal had open chances of advancing to the next stage as they entered the field of play.
While all teams in this group still have mathematical chances of advancing to the round of 32, the Koreans and Uruguayans have very minimal chances. In their last group games, Portugal will be meeting South Korea, while Uruguay will settle it out with Ghana. (Uruguay and Ghana game will be a repeat of 2010 world cup quarter finals encounter where Uruguay controversially beat the African football heavyweights to advance to the semis).
Uruguay will be hoping to beat Ghana by many goals, while still praying that Ronaldo-led Portugal beat South Korea. On the other match, South Korea will open their arsenal of attacks against Portugal while hoping that Uruguay beat Ghana.
Currently, Portugal is leading the group with six points, followed by Ghana with three points. South Korea and Uruguay both have one point a piece – though the Asians have a slight advantage over South Americans owing to the number of goals each team has conceded.