After losing Lionel Messi and Argentina earlier in the day, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal met the same fate as their World Cup came to an end.
Uruguay, who swept Group A, were pushed into the quarterfinals thanks to a brace by Edinson Cavani.
First Half
The South American side got off to a dream start thanks to aforementioned Cavani, who drew first blood just seven minutes into the match. Luis Suarez, with the ball near the top left corner of the box, sent a superb cross to the back post and Cavani was able to send a header in.
Suarez ➡️ Cavani ➡️ Goal#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/ttfxPumoVa
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
Portugal got close to equalizing in the 11th minute. A corner kick from Raphael Guerreiro found Jose Fonte in the box for a header. Fonte sent the ball in front of goal but nobody was there to put the finish touch.
Cristiano Ronaldo was nowhere to be seen. After Uruguay’s goal, their defense was able to lock in and close potential holes for the Portuguese attack.
The best opportunity Portugal had came at the expense of Rodrigo Bentancur, who fouled Gonçalo Guedes just a few yards outside of the Uruguay box. Ronaldo’s free kick didn’t get over the wall.
Neither side would get that close until much later in the first half, where a last gasp counter ended with Cavani putting a shot into the side netting.
Second Half
Portugal were able to get on the board shortly after the second half started. A cross from Guerreiro found Pepe in the box, who put the ball past Fernando Muslera in the 55th minute. The Uruguay keeper made a jump to his left and couldn’t recover.
Pepe's equalizer for #POR.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/Nq6L9T6XcB
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
The tie did not last long, as Cavani was able to strike again in the 62nd minute.
A counter by Uruguay pushed the Portugal defense on its heels. Rodrigo Bentancur made a run down the middle and sent the ball to his left, finding a streaking Cavani. The striker was able to put a one-touch curler with his right foot and into the back of the net for one of the best finishes of the tournament.
All Cavani needed was one touch. 🔥#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/gG3HK7Z02l
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
Portugal attempted to change their offensive attack as they brought in Ricardo Quaresma to replace Adrien Silva in the 65th minute. Despite the changes, the 2016 European Champions could not get through and found themselves out of the World Cup.
With the victory, Uruguay will prepare for their World Cup quarterfinal against France.
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