Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn by Portugal as Group H produced mixed fortunes for both former and current Manchester United players on a dramatic final matchday. Ronaldo, 37, remains without a club after his mid-season departure from Old Trafford was confirmed following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Retained in the starting XI, despite Portugal already being through, Ronaldo played 65 minutes against opponents South Korea and the scores were level when he was substituted. By that stage, Portugal were group winners to be joined by Uruguay in the knockout phase.
However, much in keeping with the ongoing Qatar showcase, there was some late drama in both Group H games with South Korea grabbing an added-time winner. It was provided by Son Heung-min and netted by his teammate Hwang Hee-chan as Ronaldo and former United colleague Bruno Fernandes watched on from the bench.
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With top spot in the bag, Fernandes put his feet up and was later joined by Ronaldo in the front-row seats. United right-back Diogo Dalot played the entire 90 minutes, meanwhile, as five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo appeared to be disgruntled by his own withdrawal.
When the final whistle sounded, there was an anxious wait at Education City Stadium as South Korea waited for an update from the Group H match-up between Uruguay and Ghana at the Al Janoub Stadium. In the end, it brought heartbreak for Facundo Pellistri and the Uruguayans.
Despite beating Ghana with two goals from Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Pellistri and former United teammate Edinson Cavani were sent packing due to the late winner South Korea conjured up. Uruguay were fancied by several observers to be a dark horse at these finals but it was, ultimately, a first-hurdle failure for them.
Pellistri started and played 66 minutes for Uruguay before he was replaced in the final stages. Cavani made a cameo appearance when replacing ex-Liverpool and Barcelona star Luis Suarez.
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