Bruno Fernandes may have one or two goals on the night for Portugal - and was unlucky not to grab a third - but was still the star man on the night at Uruguay were beaten at the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo ran off celebrating the opening goal but was not officially awarded it after his header was adjudged to have failed to meet Fernandes’s cross.
Portugal then won a penalty which Fernandes dispatched with Ronaldo off the pitch, settling nerves to seal his nation’s spot in the knockout stage. Uruguay will need to beat Ghana to get through Group H and avoid their first World Cup group stage exit since 2002.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Lusail Stadium following a Ronaldo-led Portugal side.
Diogo Costa - 7
Rushed out well to save Bentancur’s big chance in the 32nd minute, but almost let himself down soon after when sloppy in possession. Denied Giorgian de Arrascaeta with a fine save late in the match.
Joao Cancelo - 6
Deployed as much more of a traditional full-back, so not the marauding performance we’ve come to expect from him at Manchester City. A quiet, if solid, night.
Ruben Dias - 5
Had an entertaining battle with Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who he got booked. Bentancur got his revenge soon after by beating the defender on the edge of the area, only to fluff his chance when facing the keeper.
Pepe - 6
The 39-year-old had a quieter night than expected, which was no doubt very welcome, but when under pressure didn’t look at his very best. He did a passable job covering the injured Danilo Pereira under minimal pressure from Darwin Nunez and Edinson Cavani.
Nuno Mendes - 7
He produced an outstanding dribble late into the first half and was the reason for most of the attacks coming down the left. It was a shame to see him come off injured on his World Cup debut after just 42 minutes.
Ruben Neves - 5
Produced a decent ball in behind for Ronaldo in the 29th minute. Booked late in the first half for bringing down Guillermo Varela. He was substituted midway through the second half. Did not stand out.
William Carvalho - 7
Hit a volleyed effort over in the third minute to deny Ronaldo a stunning shoulder pass assist that would have sent social media wild. He marshalled the midfield well and stopped attacks from a dangerous midfield trio of Federico Valverde, Matias Vecino and Bentancur.
Bruno Fernandes - 9
Broke the deadlock - just don’t tell Ronaldo - after his cross bounced in at the far post, his 12th goal for his country. He then won a late - and contentious - penalty to settle the nerves. Denied a hat-trick by hitting the post in the 99th minute.
Bernardo Silva - 5
A real off night for the Manchester City man. Several misplaced passes as he struggled with the rhythm of the game.
Joao Felix - 5
Better decision-making needed, most notably when hitting the side netting early in the second half as Ronaldo screamed for a tap-in. Up the other end, gave away a free kick in a dangerous area in the 77th minute, and was booked for his troubles, which almost led to a Luis Suarez goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 7
Ronaldo was at his showboating best in front of a crowd where 50 percent of them might have paid just to see him play. With a lot of neutrals in attendance wearing his shirt, he producing a stunning shoulder pass for William early on.
He followed it up with stepovers, tricks and flicks but, it appears, no goal despite his claims on the contrary, denying him the chance to draw level with Eusebio’s World Cup goals record for Portugal.
Substitutes
Raphael Guerrero - 6
The Dortmund defender came on for Nunes, having been dropped for conceding two against Ghana. He was credited with the assist for the opener after Ronaldo was denied the finish.
Rafael Leao - 6
Always bright and exciting when on the ball. Also still raw at this level.
Joao Palhinha - N/A
Matheus Nunes - N/A
Goncalo Ramos - N/A
