World Cup

CRISTIANO RONALDO remains level with Lionel Messi for World Cup goals – despite claiming the opener.And when Portugal were given a ridiculous late penalty for handball, Ronaldo was already off the pitch, allowing Fernandes to complete a brace.
Cristiano Ronaldo claimed to have scored Portugal’s winnerCredit: Getty
Ronaldo celebrated as if he had scoredCredit: Reuters
Fifa awarded the goal to Bruno FernandesCredit: Reuters
But of the two superstars to have led their countries to victory at the stadium that will host the final, the Portugal captain looks the more likely to be back here on December 18.
Ronaldo was initially credited with putting the faintest of touches on a Fernandes cross and moving one ahead of his Argentinian nemesis again after Messi’s goal at the other end of the pitch two nights before.
His face when he looked up to the screen to see it had been awarded to the Manchester United man was a picture.
Was Ronaldo playing to the cameras with his look of amazement and amusement?
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Either way, he could yet have the last laugh over Messi at this tournament.
Because Portugal are a better team than Argentina and look less reliant on the genius of one man.
Not that they were brilliant, far from it.
And they were on the ropes as Uruguay went close to grabbing the draw that was probably the limit of their ambitions at kick off.
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Yet this squad has the make-up and look of a World Cup winner, and topping the group gives them a favourable-looking draw.
If Ronaldo does lift the trophy, it would be a popular victory.
If anything, it felt like there were more of his fan boys and girls in the crowd than there had been Messi supporters on Saturday night when the ranks of native Argentinians were swelled significantly by locals and tourists.
Every flick, feint and stepover was greeted with the kind of gasps that normal people reserve for a decent fireworks display.
Ronaldo could not produce the big bang this time but this win guaranteed he will have the chance to make the difference in the knockout stages.
Which is more than Messi can say right now.
Like Mexico vs Argentina, the actual football was a disappointment.
As expected, the injury to Portugal defender Danilo enabled Pepe, 39, to become the second oldest outfield player to start a game at the World Cup.
But fans of aggro were disappointed to see that Uruguay boss Diego Alonso had dropped Luis Suarez, a mere 35 year old, from the starting line-up.
To watch the former Barcelona striker get his teeth – perhaps literally – into Pepe, the ex-Real Madrid defender had been an enticing prospect.
In truth, Suarez could have no complaints after his performance in the opening goalless draw against South Korea.
It said a lot about Uruguay’s options, however, that Suarez’s replacement was another 35 year old, Edinson Cavani, who was a passenger from the start.
Ronaldo began as if he was in the mood, with a shoulder lay-off to William Carvalho, who volleyed well off target.
But although he and Portugal’s three other attacking players rotated elusively, they were unable to find a way through dogged and well-organised Uruguay.
Alonso’s team were doing little at the other end.
But the undoubted highlight of the first half was Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur running through Portugal from the centre circle to the penalty area, only for Diogo Costa to come out to save his tame finish.
At the start of the second half, organisers were so desperate to drum up some excitement that they revealed Darwin Nunez had recorded the top speed of the match.
Then a fan sprinted on to the pitch with a rainbow flag and a number of other protests to make.
The game was temporarily halted when a fan ran onto the pitchCredit: Getty
The pitch invader held a rainbow flagCredit: Getty
But the game was going nowhere fast despite until the strange goal.
Fernandes’ cross was lovely, Ronaldo’s run was well-timed, but Rochet focused so much on what the living legend might do to the ball that he forgot about saving it.
Alonso waited a little while to act, finally taking off Cavani and – surprisingly – Nunez, and throwing on Suarez and Maxi Gomez with less than 20 minutes to go.
The latter hit the post within minutes.
Suarez could find only the side netting when the ball broke to him in the six-yard box.
Then wing back Guillermo Varela burst through to force an unconvincing save out of Costa.
It was by far Uruguay’s best spell of the game but not enough to deserve a point.
Ronaldo’s ageing limbs were given a rest as he came off with about 10 minutes to go.
Quite what convinced the VAR and then referee Alireza Faghani that Gimenez’s accidental handball as he fell to the ground was worth a penalty, heaven alone knows.
But there was no doubt about Fernandes’ conversion of the spotkick.
He would have had a hat-trick but Rochet saved and then he hit the post.
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Ronaldo, you like to think, was pleased for this team-mate.
And he can still dream of completing his set of major trophies with the one that he and Messi covet the most.
Portugal were awarded a penalty for this handballCredit: Getty
Bruno Fernandes sealed the win from the spotCredit: Getty
Fernandes celebrates after scoring his second of the gameCredit: Getty More

DAVID Beckham has checked out of his five-star Qatar hotel after almost a week as fans discovered where he was staying.The former England star has reportedly been enjoying a stint at the elegant Baraha View suite at the Mandarin Oriental in Doha – costing up to £20,000 a night.
The hotel’s Baraha View suite costs £20,000 a nightCredit: Oriental Mandarin hotel
The luxury suite boasts rooftop views of the Qatari capital of DohaCredit: Oriental Mandarin hotel
Beckham had reportedly been staying in the plush pad for almost a weekCredit: Oriental Mandarin hotel
The former England captain checked out of the Oriental Madarin hotel this weekend, sources suggestCredit: Oriental Mandarin hotel
Located on the hotel’s top floor, the room comes with its own dining area, private concierge, an open air courtyard, private pool and gym.
But according to the Mail Online, Beckham checked out over the weekend after word spread about his accommodation status.
A source told the outlet: “The staff have loved having him here and referred to him as ‘Sir David’ because he was so respectful and respected back by everyone.
“He wasn’t seen much at all by the other guests because he had a lovely suite which is like a hotel within a hotel, meaning he didn’t need to mix with them.
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“He’s been very polite and charming to the staff and seems like a very decent man. Sir David is one of the most famous men in world football and it’s been an honour having him here.
“It’s a pity he’s no longer here but I’m sure he’ll be back. Who wouldn’t love staying here?”
During his stay, the football ace reportedly enjoyed the use of a personal chef while taking in the stunning views from the luxury city suite.
Sources suggest his menu included Japanese Kobe steak, cooked rare and a selection of pasta dishes.
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To avoid being detected by paparazzi, Beckham has been making his way in and out of the luxury hotel using a private lobby entrance.
On matchdays, he has reportedly been ferried around the capital in a blacked out limousine.
In addition, Beckham has also spent time broadening his knowledge of local culture in his role as a public relations officer for the Qatari organising committee.
So far, he has already spent an afternoon at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art – snapping images of large colourful art installations and impressive technological light shows.
However, he has been soaking up the lavish Qatari lifestyle alone, with his wife Victoria and their children thought to be in the UK.
The former football ace has been in the spotlight for some time after he sealed his reported £150 million ten-year deal with Qatar to be its ambassador.
Commentators – including comedian Joe Lycett – have slammed him for his association with the gulf nation, due its human rights record and its attitude towards women and the LGBT community.
But, since the tournament began, Beckham has kept a low profile and has not commented on the matter.
The former England star has been attending matches at the World CupCredit: Alamy
He signed a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade to become the country’s ambassadorCredit: Rex More

FANS have been left confused over who scored Portugal’s opening goal in their 2-0 win over Uruguay. Bruno Fernandes whipped in a cross towards the head of Cristiano Ronaldo and it found it’s way into the back of the net.
Cristiano Ronaldo was convinced he had scoredCredit: EPA
Fans were left debating whether he scored or notCredit: Twitter
Fans were unsure who scored but celebrated jubilantlyCredit: Getty
The 37-year-old climbed highest and threw his head at the ball before it bounced in.
Ronaldo ran away celebrating claiming he got a touch on his former Manchester United teammates’ cross but replays were not conclusive.
But the authorities disagreed with Ronaldo and gave the goal to Fernandes in controversial circumstances.
Firstly, Fifa gave it to Ronaldo before changing their minds. They tweeted: “The goal has officially been ruled as scored by Bruno Fernandes.”
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It would have been the striker’s 100th competitive goal for Portugal.
Commentator Ally McCoist joked: “I guarantee after the game he [Ronaldo] says he touches it.”
Fans were left debating over who the goal should be awarded to.
A Ronaldo fan claimed: “Cristiano robbed of his ninth World Cup goal as two of his hair follicles touched the ball.”
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But another did not think he touched it slamming the ex-Real Madrid man saying: “The fact that he actually tried that tells so much about him as a person. Only thinks about himself.”
More commented: “No he clearly didn’t [touch it] yet he shamelessly celebrated as it was his goal, most shameless player ever.
Another joked “he’s going to tell Piers Morgan” in reference to his explosive interview where he slammed Man Utd and a number of former teammates like Gary Neville.
Pundits were left equally perplexed.
Joe Cole wasn’t sure, telling ITV: “I can’t see where he touches it”.
Graeme Souness urged Ronaldo to fess up, saying: “Only one person knows”.
Whether Fernandes scored the first one or not, he definitely got the second as he netted from the spot in injury time. More

CRISTIANO RONALDO almost set up a goal in Portugal’s crunch World Cup meeting with Uruguay thanks to an outrageous piece of skill.Fans were wowed as the 37-year-old nearly grabbed an assist with his SHOULDER.

Cristiano Ronaldo nearly grabbed an assist with an outrageous shoulder passCredit: Getty
Ronaldo somehow managed to use his shoulder to direct the ball to team-mate William CarvalhoCredit: BEIN SPORTS
Ronaldo’s pass dropped perfectly for CarvalhoCredit: NOS
Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s opening win over Ghana – days after he was sacked by Manchester United following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
And the free agent looked in the mood for more in the game against Uruguay.
With the match in just the third minute, left-back Nuno Mendes launched a long throw towards Ronaldo in the box.
There wasn’t much on for the forward as it fell to him, but he somehow managed to connect perfectly with the ball using his shoulder.
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It looped in the air and dropped perfectly for William Carvalho to hit on the volley.
But the midfielder blazed his effort over the bar, costing Ronaldo an incredible assist.
Fans though were left in awe by Ronaldo’s skill.
One wrote on Twitter: “Bruh the shoulder pass by Ronaldo was clean af.”
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Another gushed: “Ronaldo that shoulder pass was FILTH more of that please GOAT.”
A third added: “That Ronaldo shoulder was insane…”
And another declared: “That Ronaldo shoulder flick was outrageous.”
Ronaldo and Portugal went on to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Uruguay.
It seemed Ronaldo scored the opener – before it was then credited to Bruno Fernandes.
The Manchester United midfielder then added a second from the penalty spot in injury time.
Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s opening win over GhanaCredit: AP More

PORTUGAL star Nuno Mendes limped off in tears in the 2-0 win over Uruguay.The left-back hobbled off the pitch crying into his shirt with his World Cup dream potentially over.
Nuno Mendes cried as he sustained an injuryCredit: Getty
He was consoled by the team’s doctors and teammates as he left the field and headed straight down the tunnel.
The Paris Saint-Germain youngster, 20, went off just 42 minutes into the clash with Uruguay and was replaced by Raphael Guerreiro.
Mendes went into the tournament nursing a slight problem and he did not feature in Portugal’s opener against Ghana.
It is believed he had a hamstring issue but was deemed fit enough to play in Qatar.
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However it appears he may have aggravated the injury and judging from his reaction Mendes could be on the sidelines for some time.
He missed five of PSG’s matches prior to the World Cup hiatus with the muscular problem.
Portugal’s injury woes are mounting with a number of key players in the treatment room.
Liverpool ace Diogo Jota was not named in the squad due to a calf problem and while at the World Cup both Danilo Pereira and Otavio have picked up knocks.
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Pereira, who also plays for PSG, has broken his ribs but his manager appeared confident in a press conference that he will be fit again soon.
Portugal went on to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Uruguay.
It seemed Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opener – before it was then credited to Bruno Fernandes.
The Manchester United midfielder then added a second from the penalty spot in injury time.
Portugal will play South Korea in their final match in Group H. More