Portugal’s midfielder Bruno Fernandes admitted that he celebrated the team’s first goal against Uruguay as it had been Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal after the team’s 2-0 win at Lusail Stadium on Monday. With this win, Portugal became the third team after France and Brazil to qualify for the Round of 16. Fernandes had put the cross in the 54th minute of the game for his captain and Ronaldo went on to claim the goal.

However, on replays, it was cleared that CR7 had not gotten any touch on the ball and it was deemed as Fernandes goal. The midfielder then earned a penalty in the stoppage time when Gimenez accidentally handled the ball. Fernandes then converted from the spot to score his second of the night.

The midfielder has been in great form for Portugal as he has scored two goals and has also provided two assists.

“I celebrated [the goal] as if it had been Cristiano’s goal,” Fernandes said. “It seemed to me that he had touched the ball. My aim was to cross the ball for him.

“We are happy with the victory regardless of who scored. The most important thing is that we achieved our aim which is to be in the next round.”

In fact, Fernandes could have completed the first hat trick of the ongoing World Cup but he was denied by the post. Fernandes was awarded the Player of the Match for his exemplary performance against the South American team.

On the other hand, the team’s boss Fernando Santos was delighted with the team’s win.

“I think it was a great match,” Santos said. “Our team played very well and the rest, for me, does not matter.”

Portugal will next take on South Korea on 2nd December at the Education City Stadium.