João Palhinha and Portugal are into the knockout stages of the World Cup following their 2-0 victory over Uruguay on Monday evening.
In a clash low on chances, Uruguay could have gone into the break in front after Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur danced his way into the box, but his shot was saved by Diogo Costa.
Portugal took the lead early in the second half when Bruno Fernandes’ cross went all the way in without anybody getting a touch on the ball.
Uruguay had chances to equalise when Maximiliano Gómez hit a post and Luis Suarez sliced wide in a spell of pressure that led to the introduction of Palhinha in the 82nd minute as Portugal looked to see the game out.
And they managed to put the game to bed in stoppage time when a harsh VAR call went in their favour for handball in the area, with Fernandes coolly dispatching the penalty.
A point in their final match against South Korea will guarantee top spot in Group H for Portugal, though their superior goal difference means even defeat in that would likely leave them at the summit.
Posting on Instagram after the game, João said: “First objective achieved boys, we’re in the round of 16 💪🏼 ! So proud to be living this dream ! Let’s go for more Portugal 🇵🇹 🙏🏼”
