Portugal sealed their passage to the round of 16 with a long-suffering victory over Uruguay led by Bruno Fernandes, who completed a fine display in Lusail well supported by Neves, Bernardo, Diogo and Rúben Días.
22
DIOGO COSTA
savior
He avoided Bentancur’s 1-0 with a providential one-on-one and in the second half he got a great hand from De Arrascaeta to make it 1-1. He ruled his place with authority.
twenty
I CANCEL
Suppressed
He boosted his band but was hardly seen in attack, his great specialty. He worked as usual in getting the ball out for his team and clearing possessions.
3
PEPE
specialist
At almost 40 years old, he once again gave a lesson in positioning and knowing how to be. He is no longer the dynamic central defender he used to be but alongside Rúben Dias he dwarfs Cavani, Darwin, Suárez and Maxi.
4
RUBEN DIAS
Chief
He is the foreman of Portugal’s defense and manages to start the game from the back. From the top he was a colossus and he was always helpful inside the area to abort the danger from Uruguay.
19
NUNO MENDES
Injured
He retired injured and cried uncontrollably late in the first half. Until then, he was very deep and aggressive attacking for his wing.
18
NEVES
Cement
He does the dirty work so that stars like Bruno Fernandes or Bernardo Silva shine and are unbalanced in the three quarters. His departure from the field of play for Leao led to the worst moment for Portugal and seriously compromised the victory until Santos made amends.
14
WILLIAM CARVALHO
Order
Without making noise, it balances the game and brings fluidity to ball possessions. He complements Neves well and finds his teammates with ease.
8
BRUNO FERNANDES
Very happy
He scored both goals and showed that in this World Cup he is the offensive leader of Portugal. Play, defend, unbalance, come and help. Uruguay doesn’t know how to stop it. One of the midfielders of the moment.
10
BERNARD
Smart
Bruno Fernandes’ best partner. Always available to provide a passing lane, he helps his team settle in front. He lacks a little more boldness in the rival area to further mark the differences.
Eleven
JOAO FELIX
It’s hot
Listed on the left, he lost his range of motion and his wide football suffered. He interfered little in attack and in the second half he was more attentive to lend cable to the defense
7
CRISTIANO RONALDO
Punctual
He is not going through his best moment but he is always a threat in the rival area. And as it shows, his movement through the center of Fernandes made it 1-0. His mere presence conditioned the entire rival team. He had room for improvement and ended up being replaced.
5
WARRIOR
following
He replaced the injured Nuno Mendes and in the second half suffered greatly from the depth of Pellistri and Arrascaeta, who almost always attacked on their wing.
fifteen
LEAO
It’s confusing
No one understood why Santos gave him the introduction for Neves. His entry into the field, although not his fault, weakened Portugal’s midfield and in attack he was very easy.
6
PLEASE
Oxygen
His entry breathed life into a Portugal that was drowning and losing the battle in the middle of the field.
26
GONÇALO RAMOS
Ridiculous
In the few minutes he played, he did damage with his unchecking and driving.
23
Matheus Nunes
Active
He entered the field to strengthen Portugal’s midfield, which won the second game.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
