Portugal vs Uruguay LIVE: World Cup 2022 result and final score as Bruno Fernandes penalty seals progress

Scan the fixture list for Qatar’s largest and most luxurious stadium and it gives an indication where their preferences lie. Brazil have played at the Lusail, Argentina too and now it was Portugal’s turn. If it points to the draw of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the deafening applause when the latter was substituted was an illustration of where their affections lie. Briefly, the majority present thought they had got what they had come to see. When Ronaldo leapt highest and the ball nestled in the net, it looked to be the 820th goal of his career, the 119th for Portugal and his ninth in World Cups.

Closer examination suggested that, rather than applying the faintest of touches to Bruno Fernandes’ cross, he had made no contact whatsoever; the lack of his trademark celebration was a clue. If compatriots rarely combined profitably in the red of Manchester United, they had not teamed up to greater effect in the darker hue of Portugal.

Instead, the player who remains on the books at Old Trafford ended up with a brace that, on another night, might both have been Ronaldo’s: the captain had been substituted by the time Portugal were awarded a penalty, Fernandes putting the ball under Jose Gimenez and a VAR check revealing it had touched his hand, and, in the absence of the usual taker, rolling in the spot kick. And so Fernandes, not Ronaldo, is now his country’s top scorer at this World Cup.

Defeating Uruguay secured qualification for the last 16. A further point will guarantee Portugal top the group. They are plotting a path deep into the World Cup, Uruguay facing a swift return home.

Report by Richard Jolly at the Lusail Stadium

Well, what about Uruguay? Apart from a lively spell in the second half, La Celeste again failed to live up to expectations and now face a must-win match against Ghana to reach the last 16.

What a match that is now, with Ghana looking to take revenge for Luis Suarez’s handball and their quarter-final defeat on penalties in 2010…

Player ratings, by Alex Pattle

Final product was largely disappointing, until he whipped a short cross all the way into the back of the net – just past Ronaldo’s head, though the captain insisted otherwise.

As motivated as he always is in this shirt, but had mixed results. Displayed some terrific control with his chest in a couple of moments, creating half-chances both times. Swerved a free kick into the wall after much anticipation, and struggled to get on the end of crosses – including when he claimed Fernandes’ goal as his own header. Might like to claim Fernandes’ rating, too. Taken off just after the 80-minute mark.

A deserved win in the end for Portugal, who rode out second-half pressure from Uruguay to claim their second win of the group stages and book their place in the last 16.

Fernandes is the hero, despite Ronaldo’s claims that the first goal was his.

All through to the last 16

90+9 mins: And now off the post! Fernandes again, strikes the woodwork from the edge of the box! So close to the hat-trick.

90+8 mins: Portugal pushing for more! Fernandes is denied a hat-trick as Rochet saves his volley at the far post.

90+6 mins: We are into nine minutes of added time, but that may become more because of that VAR check. The win is Portugal’s though, and it makes life difficult for Uruguay heading into their final match against Ghana.

Now this one certainly does belong to Fernandes! He takes a hop, skip, and then places the ball to the side of Rochet. Brilliant penalty and Portugal are heading through to the knockout stages.

89 mins: Ooooh, there is now a VAR check on that Gimenez handball!

It was lovely play from Fernandes. He nutmegged Gimenez, who then touched the ball with his hand after falling to ground.