Former Liverpool players Graeme Souness and Joe Cole both praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his attempt to claim Portugal's opening goal in their victory over Uruguay on Monday night.
Portugal secured a 2-0 win over the South American outfit in their Group H clash, with Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes being credited with a brace. While his second strike was undeniably his goal - given that he scored from the penalty spot - his opener initially appeared to have been headed home by Ronaldo.
However, the goal was eventually awarded to current United man Fernandes by FIFA - rather than his old club teammate. Fernandes' cross was inviting for the 37-year-old and ultimately alluded Sergio Rochet in the Uruguay goal, with Ronaldo wheeling away with his hand in the air claiming the goal.
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Had the goal been awarded to Ronaldo, he would have moved level with the legendary Eusebio on nine World Cup goals for Portugal. The former Real Madrid man had converted from the spot in his country's 3-2 victory over Ghana last week to move one behind the ex-Benfica star.
Discussing whether or not the Portugal man got a touch on Fernandes' cross, Souness and Cole were both in agreement that it was too close to call.
"I think we’re in the realms of ‘only he really knows’, that doesn’t clear it. He’ll wish he never had his haircut this morning, I’m looking at that reaction and if he hasn’t touched it, that is acting, pretty good action," Souness said on ITV.
Cole added: "His reaction suggests he touches it but I’m yet to see a camera angle that suggests he definitely touched it. There will be an interesting conversation between Ronaldo and Bruno.
"First of all, he gets the pair that worked so long together, as he picks up the ball, he peels off Ronaldo and times his run to perfection. I can’t see where he touches it, when you slow it down you can’t see where he touches it. He’s definitely destined for Hollywood if he didn’t touch it."
Ronaldo has scored eight goals in 19 World Cup matches for Portugal during his illustrious career.
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