FIFA World Cup, Portugal reach round of 16: Key stats
Bruno Fernandes starred as Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 in a Group H fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Fernando Santos' men dominated the possessions but failed to test Uruguay's goal for the entirety of the first half. Portugal broke the deadlock after half-time, with Fernandes' curling shot beating goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. Fernandes converted a stoppage-time penalty to steer Portugal to the last 16.
Unwanted record for Betancur
Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur received the earliest booking in a World Cup match at the 2022 edition (5 minutes, 43 seconds). It's the earliest an Uruguay player has been booked in a World Cup game since 1986, Jose Alberto Batista (vs Scotland, 54 seconds).
Interesting records for Portugal
This was the second FIFA World Cup meeting between Uruguay and Portugal. The last meeting witnessed the two-time winners eliminating Portugal in the second round of the 2018 edition. Five players aged 35-plus appeared in the concluded fixture - Pepe (39), Cristiano Ronaldo (37), Diego Godin (36), Luis Suarez (35), and Edinson Cavani (35). It's the most in a World Cup match.
A look at key stats and standings
Portugal bossed the show, clocking 60% possession throughout. They attempted 15 shots with three on target. Uruguay had 40% possession and managed 11 shots with three on target. Portugal (83%) also recorded more accurate passes than Uruguay (73%). Portugal (W2) are atop Group H standings. Ghana (W1 L1) trail them. South Korea (D1 L1) and Uruguay (D1 L1) follow suit.
Sensational Fernandes slams these records
Fernandes has become the first Portuguese player with two goals and two assists in a WC since 1966 (Jose Augusto and Jose Torres both did so). As per Opta, he has scored seven times in 11 appearances for Portugal across 2022 so far. It's more than twice as many as any other Portuguese player, above Ronaldo (3). He now has 13 goals for Portugal.
Records galore for Portugal
As per Squawka, only three teams at the 2022 WC have won both of their opening two games: France, Brazil, and Portugal. Fernandes is the only player at the 2022 WC with multiple goals and multiple assists (two assists vs Ghana and two goals vs Uruguay).
Fernandes' numbers against Uruguay
As per Squawka, Fernandes completed 83 touches and enjoyed an 84% passing accuracy. He made eight ball recoveries, six shots, and five touches in the opposite box. Besides, he won three duels and scored twice.
How did the match pan out?
Portugal got their opener through Fernandes after a lackluster first half. Portugal doubled the lead in the stoppage time after VAR adjudged Jose Gimenez handled the ball in the box. Fernandes made no mistakes from the spot. He was close to adding a third but found the woodwork. Uruguay offered little to no threat, with Bentancur's early attempt being halted by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
