Edinson Cavani inspired Uruguay to a 2-1 win over Portugal in their round of 16 World Cup tie on Saturday with two fantastic strikes. Cavani set the South Americans on their way when he headed home early, only for Pepe to equalize, also with a header shortly after half time. Cavani then scored the winner with just under half hour to play to seal the win and get his team into the quarter finals.
The reigning European champions made their efforts know early when their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo fizzed an effort on target in the 6th minute, but it was straight at goalkeeper Muslera who had no difficulties gathering.
Bernardo Silva saw a lot of the ball early for Portugal as he tried to dictate the pace of the game but it was the combination of Cavani and Luis Suarez who would ultimately be responsible for the first goal of the game.
Cavani swung a cross field ball from the right to the left for Suarez who dribbled toward the box before delivering a peach of a cross for Cavani to run on to and power home at the back post in the 7th minute.
In the 22nd minute Suarez squeezed the ball through the wall, trying to repeat his heroics similar to the game against Russia but Rui Patricio was able to get down and save.
A 32nd min free kick from Ronaldo crashed into the wall as the Portuguese star failed to trouble the Uruguayan goal keeper.
Portugal were too slow in attack, making it comfortable for the Uruguayan defence to keep them at bay and hold on to their lead at the half time break.
However, in 55th minute Pepe headed home to level the contest. Two defenders tracked Ronaldo on a cross leaving the defender free in the box and he produced a bullet header to make it 1-1 and record his second goal of the tournament.
But Cavani and Uruguay were not to be denied as he swept home his second of the night from just outside the box to make it 2-1 in the 62nd min – the perfect repost from the South Americans as Patricio took the ball out of his net for the second time in the game.
From then on Uruguay were happy to drop everyone behind the ball and let Portugal have possession.
Late on Muslera spilled the ball which bounced kindly to Bernardo Silva who rushed his shot with his weaker right foot that went high over an empty goal.
It was the last real chance for Portugal in the game and most likely signaled the last chance for Cristiano Ronaldo to win the World Cup.
Uruguay will be sweating over the fitness of Cavani as they prepare for their quarter final date with France on Friday.
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