Bruno Fernandes says it does not matter who scored Portugal's opener in a 2-0 victory over Uruguay that secured their place in the World Cup knockout phase.
It initially looked as though Cristiano Ronaldo had drawn level with Portugal's record World Cup goalscorer Eusebio when he rose to try and head in Fernandes' 54th-minute cross.
But replays showed that the Portugal captain, who has scored eight World Cup goals, did not get a touch on it and the goal was given to Fernandes as his team claimed a second successive Group H win.
Fernandes' opener, followed by a penalty from the Manchester United star in added time, proved enough to turn a tight and tense contest Portugal's way.
And it left them in pole position to top their group ahead of facing South Korea on Friday.
'I don't think it really matters who scored the goal at this point,' Fernandes said.
'The feeling I had at the time was that Cristiano touched the ball. I was passing the ball to him.
'But the important thing was that we won tonight against a very tough opponent.
'The importance of us being first in the group includes us winning the next game, which would allow us to come out of the group undefeated. That is what we want.
'We have a very organised team ahead of us on Friday, and our objective is to take it match by match.'
Uruguay, meanwhile, will need to beat Ghana in their quest for a place in the round of 16.
'We will be going all out for victory. It is a crucial game,' Uruguay manager Diego Alonso said.
'We improved in the second half today. Portugal owned the ball before that, and that pressure had some effect.
'Sometimes, things don't work out. We had 11 chances, according to the statistics.'
markrodney
340
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated because the ball scored, realising he didn't get a touch he immediately ran to Bruno Fernandez and embraced him. well done Champ
ToaLim
252
Another day another record for Ronaldo. He became the first player in the history of football to score goals without touching 😁
JoyNg
219
Goal keeper would’ve easily catch a ball if Ronaldo wouldn’t jump there for header. He constantly confused a goalkeeper which lead them onto scoresheet. Doesn’t matter who scored a goal, Ronaldo was very proud and happy for his country to win the match which is really matters for athletes. Above all Portugal have qualified for the next round😍😍 Vamos Cristiano🐐🇵🇹💪
eggosa91
152
Ronaldo was happy for Bruno Fernandes' brace 🥹👏 #goatness 🤗
SIDKAUSH
123
Two unsung heroes, without them Portugal wouldn't have kept clean sheet.
Simon360
74
Christiano Ronaldo in Portugal's next match
AkhoVero
66
Anti-logic and delusional fans trying to explain why he celebrated that Goal. Why is it so difficult to say that He thought he scored. There's no shame in that. Don't try to take the spotlight off the Real hero who's carrying Portugal. 2 Goals 2 Assists.
MikaelGuerrero
16
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated because the ball scored, realising he didn't get a touch he immediately ran to Bruno Fernandez and embraced him. well done Champ
I'm just glad he was there because if he wasn't the gk would had saved it
Kizol
14
Do y’all realize that if Ronald was in offside position that goal would have been cancelled?
Memphis30
10
I'm not Ronaldo's fan but just bo be honest he made a very big impact because that ball could be easily be in the keeper's hands if not for Ron. it's just the same with the Messi goal against Uruguay 🇺🇾 in the qualifier
Pikin90
10
I must confess that Cr5 was more active in the game against Uruguay like he has never been in ages. He made runs and took players on and contended for balls. I really enjoyed him and I wish him all the best.
towelntz
9
Goal keeper would’ve easily catch a ball if Ronaldo wouldn’t jump there for header. He constantly confused a goalkeeper which lead them onto scoresheet. Doesn’t matter who scored a goal, Ronaldo was very proud and happy for his country to win the match which is really matters for athletes. Above all Portugal have qualified for the next round😍😍 Vamos Cristiano🐐🇵🇹💪
[image]
Cr5 fans literally celebrate anything these days 🤣🤣🤣
_official_royalty
8
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated because the ball scored, realising he didn't get a touch he immediately ran to Bruno Fernandez and embraced him. well done Champ
one thing I realize..Ronaldo doesn't care about being the scorer or talisman when it comes to Portugal as seen before he will take the position of coach if that means they win.. and that's why he's the GOAT and there captain