Uruguay and Portugal go head-to-head at the Fisht Olympic Stadium for a chance to face France in the Quarter Final.
ADVERTISEMENTUruguay will face France in the World Cup Quarter Final after defeating Portugal 2-1.
Edinson Cavani is the Uruguayan hero after scoring twice and winning the game for Uruguay. He opened the scoring early in the first half after switching the ball to Luis Suarez. The Barcelona striker then whipped the ball to the far post where Cavani met it and headed in.
Portugal levelled the game from a corner. They took it the shot quickly and caught Uruguay napping. Raphael Guerrero played the ball in, Pepe met it and headed in.
Cavani won the game for Uruguay after Pepe himself made an error. He didn't win a header cleanly and he gave it straight to Rodrigo Bentancur. Bentancur then played the ball to Cavani who bent a delightful finish past Rui Patricio into the far corner to win the game.
5 takeaways from the match
Uruguay's performance
Following their group stage performances, some considered Uruguay to be dark horses in the tournament, and following this game, more will agree. The South Americans were excellent in defence against Portugal and they gave them few chances to score. Attacking-wise, they were clinical, and with Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, they have the power to hurt any team.
Edinson Cavani
Cavani won the game for Uruguay. He scored both their goals, but that's not all. At times in the first half, the PSG forward was playing at left back, working immensely hard to help his team out and demonstrating the level of work required to win a World Cup knockout game. Couple his attitude with his ability to finish chances, and you will see just why he is so important to Uruguay, alongside Suarez.
Giminez and Godin
Key to Uruguay's defence was the centre-back pairing of Diego Godin and Jose Maria Giminez. The Atletico Madrid players easily dealt with almost every ball that came into the box and gave Portugal too few chances. Going forwards, their perfect blend of youth and experience will be crucial for Uruguay's tournament hopes.
Goodbye Cristiano?
Like Messi, there is a good chance that this will be Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup. Ronaldo is already 33 and there are already those who think he is past his best. So will he really be able to carry on for four more years? The truth is, we don't know. Ronaldo could go on forever: he is in excellent shape and his ability is unquestionable. But if this is the end for Ronaldo on the international stage, we will have seen the end of a truly international icon.
The first Quarter Final
In the first Quarter Final, France will take on Uruguay in a mouth-watering encounter. Expect Uruguay to sit in and try to counter attack, but add in the considerable attacking talent on the French side, and we will be in for a treat.