Despite being credited with the goal, Bruno Fernandes believes Cristiano Ronaldo scored Portugal's opening in their 2-0 win against Uruguay on Monday.
Despite being credited with the goal, Bruno Fernandes believes Cristiano Ronaldo scored Portugal's opening in their 2-0 win against Uruguay on Monday. The Manchester United midfielder's cross for Ronaldo floated in, but the experienced striker was only inches from from making touch. Fernandes scored the second goal from the penalty spot late in the game after Uruguay was penalised for handball, and he was named the match's MVP.
The victory ensured Portugal's advancement to the round of 16 in Qatar.
"I celebrated as if it was Cristiano's goal; it appeared to me that he had touched the ball, and my intention was to cross the ball for him," Fernandes explained.
"What matters is that we were able to advance to the next round and score a crucial win against a very formidable opponent."
Fernandes stressed that Portugal will have to be at their best in their last group encounter against South Korea on Friday, with a point enough to secure first place in Group H.
"We know we'll face a really organised squad with a tremendous skill level, as we've seen in their previous encounters," Fernandes continued.
"We've played at various times, allowing us to see South Korea play." "Our goal is to win every match, and we have one coming up."
Instead of praising Fernandes, Portugal coach Fernando Santos decided to congratulate the entire squad.
"I believe it is the product of the team's efforts," Santos remarked. "If the team does not perform well, then the player will not perform well."
"I think the team played well in the first two games."
Diogo Costa (Portugal's goalkeeper) stopped two crucial shots, therefore I don't believe we should focus on individual individuals."