What is the World Cup? | Decomplicated
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo take on Uruguay in a crucial World Cup Group H clash. Ronaldo made men’s World Cup history as he became the first player to score in five different tournaments with the opening goal of his country’s 3-2 win over Ghana, and Portugal can qualify for the last 16 with another victory this evening.
Despite Ronaldo’s moment of history, it was Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao who starred in Portugal’s opening win - while there was a let off at the end as Inaki Williams slipped after rounding the fortunate goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Uruguay, meanwhile, are on the back foot following their 0-0 stalemate with South Korea. Uruguay hit the post twice and will hope their star-studded frontline of Darwin Nunez, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani can make more of an impact here. Follow all the action with our live blog below, following the conclusion of Brazil’s match with Switzerland in Group G.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
41 mins: Ah this is a shame. Nuno Mendes comes off with an injury and the 20-year-old has a look on his face that suggests he fears his World Cup is over. He is replaced for now by left back Raphaël Guerreiro.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
39 mins: Now it’s Neves who goes into the book as he picks up a yellow card for bringing down Varela from behind. Valverde’s free-kick is headed away by Pepe.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
38 mins: Almost! Classy from Ronaldo, who brings a ball down on his chest in the box but runs out of space to get the shot off.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
35 mins: Bentancur drives forward again and almost sets up Nunez. This is better from Uruguay, who are beginning to make this a contest.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
32 mins: SAVE! Oh my goodness what a goal this would have been! Bentancur is so, so close to giving Uruguay the lead against the run of play! He does brilliantly well to wriggle between two Portugal challenges on the edge of the box, but he is denied by Costa when he just had the goalkeeper to beat! Bentancur tried to go through his legs when there was space in the corners for the finish!
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
31 mins: A rare trip into the Portugal half for Uruguay ends in Nunez collapsing in a heap on the edge of the box.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
29 mins: Portugal play a booming switch out to Fernandes, who is able to direct a header on goal from a tight angle. Ronaldo wanted it headed back to him, but Fernandes was offside anyway.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
27 mins: There has not been much ambition from Uruguay - but they do not have to win here. They could go into their final match against Ghana on two points knowing victory would take them through to the knockouts, but of course that is a huge match for Ghana and they had a fine win against South Korea earlier today.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
25 mins: More Portugal possession, but they are finding the passes through the lines and are getting Fernandes and Bernardo involved in dangerous positions.
Portugal 0-0 Uruguay
23 mins: Fernandes plays in Ronaldo down the left with a clever pass on the outside of his foot. Ronaldo looks to cross but there’s no one arriving at the back post. Portugal stay on the front foot.
