Did Ronaldo touch the ball? Who should’ve been credited with Portugal’s goal after a cross from Bruno Fernandes appeared to have been guided into the right-side netting by Cristiano Ronaldo?
This was his ninth goal for Portugal on the world’s biggest stage, this was a record-matching goal, levelling Portugal and World Cup great Eusebio’s record. Despite the jubilation of Ronaldo and the Portuguese players, video replays placed this historic moment in doubt. Ronaldo’s moment looked to be put on hold as (now former) Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes’ cross – intentionally aimed for Ronaldo – unintentionally beat the number 9 and Uruguay’s stranded goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.
Bruno managed to secure his brace after a Jose Gimenez handball was calmly converted from the penalty spot. Regardless of the outcome, the only message that was echoed by the Portuguese was the importance of the result and the confirmation of a position in the knockout stages.
Gol Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) vs Uruguay
Fernandes’ first goal vs Uruguay:
Ronaldo celebrated pic.twitter.com/r52pm5DJup
— preview-bola(dot)com (@previewbola) November 29, 2022
“It seemed to me that he had touched the ball” 🗣️
Bruno Fernandes admitted he thought Cristiano Ronaldo had scored Portugal’s first goal vs Uruguay tonight 😬#POR | #URU | #FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/cqmVqlbKLG pic.twitter.com/4j54w7zOsg
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) November 28, 2022
Photo: Jewel SAMAD / AFP