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Portugal vs Uruguay LIVE: World Cup 2022 result and final score as Bruno Fernandes penalty seals progress

Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 on Monday with two goals from midfielder Bruno Fernandes to become the third team after France and Brazil to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage.

The Europeans had dominated possession before Fernandes’ 54th minute cross floated past Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, who was rooted to the spot as Cristiano Ronaldo rose to head the ball and initially celebrated the goal as his.

Fernandes scored the second in injury time after a penalty was awarded for handball following a video review.

Uruguay, who had knocked Portugal out of the 2018 World Cup, will rue a string of chances on the break: midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur skipped past three players only to see his shot brilliantly saved, Maxi Gomez hit the post and Luis Suarez shot into the side netting.

Portugal’s second win in two games put them top of Group H on six points and heading into the last 16. Uruguay, third on one point, must beat Ghana in their final group game to have a chance of progressing. Follow all the reaction with our live blog below

Portugal vs Uruguay latest updates

  • FULL TIME! Portugal through to last 16 as Fernandes scores twice against Uruguay

  • Uruguay must beat Ghana in their final group game to have a chance of progressing

  • 90+3’ GOAL! Fernandes adds second from penalty spot after Gimenez handball (POR 2-0 URU)

  • 75’ POST! Uruguay hit the woodwork again as Gomez goes close (POR 1-0 URU)

  • 54’ GOAL! Fernandes cross goes straight in as Ronaldo claims touch (POR 1-0 URU)

  • 51’ Pitch invader carrying rainbow flag stops play (POR 0-0 URU)

  • 32' SAVE! Bentancur dances through but is denied by goalkeeper Costa (POR 0-0 URU)

  • Ghana beat South Korea 3-2 in early Group H thriller

  • Brazil through to last 16 as Casemiro strikes late against Switzerland

FULL TIME: Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

21:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Scan the fixture list for Qatar’s largest and most luxurious stadium and it gives an indication where their preferences lie. Brazil have played at the Lusail, Argentina too and now it was Portugal’s turn. If it points to the draw of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the deafening applause when the latter was substituted was an illustration of where their affections lie. Briefly, the majority present thought they had got what they had come to see. When Ronaldo leapt highest and the ball nestled in the net, it looked to be the 820th goal of his career, the 119th for Portugal and his ninth in World Cups.

Closer examination suggested that, rather than applying the faintest of touches to Bruno Fernandes’ cross, he had made no contact whatsoever; the lack of his trademark celebration was a clue. If compatriots rarely combined profitably in the red of Manchester United, they had not teamed up to greater effect in the darker hue of Portugal.

Instead, the player who remains on the books at Old Trafford ended up with a brace that, on another night, might both have been Ronaldo’s: the captain had been substituted by the time Portugal were awarded a penalty, Fernandes putting the ball under Jose Gimenez and a VAR check revealing it had touched his hand, and, in the absence of the usual taker, rolling in the spot kick. And so Fernandes, not Ronaldo, is now his country’s top scorer at this World Cup.

Defeating Uruguay secured qualification for the last 16. A further point will guarantee Portugal top the group. They are plotting a path deep into the World Cup, Uruguay facing a swift return home.

Report by Richard Jolly at the Lusail Stadium

Bruno Fernandes shines to lessen load on Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal down Uruguay

FULL TIME: Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

21:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Well, what about Uruguay? Apart from a lively spell in the second half, La Celeste again failed to live up to expectations and now face a must-win match against Ghana to reach the last 16.

What a match that is now, with Ghana looking to take revenge for Luis Suarez’s handball and their quarter-final defeat on penalties in 2010...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FULL TIME: Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

21:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Player ratings, by Alex Pattle

Bruno Fernandes - 8

Final product was largely disappointing, until he whipped a short cross all the way into the back of the net – just past Ronaldo’s head, though the captain insisted otherwise.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 6

As motivated as he always is in this shirt, but had mixed results. Displayed some terrific control with his chest in a couple of moments, creating half-chances both times. Swerved a free kick into the wall after much anticipation, and struggled to get on the end of crosses – including when he claimed Fernandes’ goal as his own header. Might like to claim Fernandes’ rating, too. Taken off just after the 80-minute mark.

Portugal vs Uruguay player ratings: Bruno Fernandes upstages Cristiano Ronaldo

FULL TIME: Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

21:03 , Jamie Braidwood

A deserved win in the end for Portugal, who rode out second-half pressure from Uruguay to claim their second win of the group stages and book their place in the last 16.

Fernandes is the hero, despite Ronaldo’s claims that the first goal was his.

FULL TIME: Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

21:00 , Jamie Braidwood

France

Brazil

+ Portugal

All through to the last 16

Bruno Fernandes of Portugal celebrates after scoring from the spot (Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal celebrates after scoring from the spot (Getty Images)

Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

20:57 , Jamie Braidwood

90+9 mins: And now off the post! Fernandes again, strikes the woodwork from the edge of the box! So close to the hat-trick.

Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

20:57 , Jamie Braidwood

90+8 mins: Portugal pushing for more! Fernandes is denied a hat-trick as Rochet saves his volley at the far post.

Portugal 2-0 Uruguay

20:54 , Jamie Braidwood

90+6 mins: We are into nine minutes of added time, but that may become more because of that VAR check. The win is Portugal’s though, and it makes life difficult for Uruguay heading into their final match against Ghana.

GOAL! Portugal 2-0 Uruguay (FERNANDES 90+3’)

20:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Now this one certainly does belong to Fernandes! He takes a hop, skip, and then places the ball to the side of Rochet. Brilliant penalty and Portugal are heading through to the knockout stages.

PENALTY! Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:48 , Jamie Braidwood

89 mins: Ooooh, there is now a VAR check on that Gimenez handball!

And it’s a penalty!

It was lovely play from Fernandes. He nutmegged Gimenez, who then touched the ball with his hand after falling to ground.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:48 , Jamie Braidwood

88 mins: And those changes have worked for Portugal, as they take control again through Bernardo and Fernandes, who appeals for a penalty after squeezing the ball under Gimenez and appears to strike his hand. Bernardo then has a gap to curl for the far post, but sees his shot blocked.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:43 , Jamie Braidwood

84 mins: Ronaldo doesn’t seem to be too happy but Santos needed to make some changes. Can Uruguay go again? Not like that, though, as Valverde shoots over from distance.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:42 , Jamie Braidwood

83 mins: Triple change for Portugal, who have lost control of this game and need to settle things down. Ronaldo is among those taken off, along with Felix and Carvalho. Matheus Nunes, João Palhinha and Gonçalo Ramos come on.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:40 , Jamie Braidwood

81 mins: Uruguay are getting closer and closer... Varela whips in a lovely cross and Suarez is storming in, but Cancelo defends his front post really well and is able to clear.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:38 , Jamie Braidwood

79 mins: ANOTHER CHANCE! It’s all Uruguay now. Valverde strides forward and slips in De Arrascaeta, who is through on goal. He decides to try and chip the on-rushing Costa, but the finish is not convincing. The goalkeeper makes the save but Uruguay are pushing hard now.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:36 , Jamie Braidwood

77 mins: SO CLOSE! Giorgian de Arrascaeta whips in a free-kick that falls to Suarez at the front post! He looks certain to score but can’t squeeze the shot in, and it ripples into the side-netting!

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:34 , Jamie Braidwood

75 mins: OFF THE POST! Wow - so unlucky. The substitute Maxi Gomez rattles the outside of the post with a curling effort from the edge.

That’s three times now in Qatar that Uruguay have hit the post without scoring!

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:32 , Jamie Braidwood

73 mins: Utter confusion here. The initial numbers suggested Uruguay were about to replace both Cavani and Nunez.

Suarez was furious at the assistant referee, and it turns out Nunez’s number was a mistake.

Cavani indeed makes way, though, but he is angry as well. He boots a bottle or something as he walks past his coach.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:30 , Jamie Braidwood

71 mins: Chance! Valera whips in a ball towards the front post but Nunez is on his heels and Portugal clear!

Now, Luis Suarez is about to come on...

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:29 , Jamie Braidwood

70 mins: Nunez goes down under the challenge of Pepe. No foul.

Then Ronaldo goes down under the challenge of Gimenez. No foul.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:28 , Jamie Braidwood

69 mins: Change for Portugal as Rafael Leao replaces Ruben Neves.

But what about Uruguay here, they are offering very, very little. A big disappointment so far.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:27 , Jamie Braidwood

66 mins: Ronaldo continued to claim this goal even as replays have not showed that he got a touch.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:23 , Jamie Braidwood

61 mins: A double change for Uruguay as Facundo Pellistri and Giorgian de Arrascaeta replace Matías Vecino and Diego Godín. Meanwhile, Nunez has another shot which is saved by Costa, who then gets away with one after having his clearance closed down.

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:20 , Jamie Braidwood

A pitch invader brought a rainbow flag onto the pitch at the Qatar World Cup match between Portugal and Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium.

The Group H match was briefly halted after approximately 50 minutes with Iranian referee Alireza Faghani retrieving the flag before resuming play.

The World Cup has been hit by controversy throughout in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

Fifa provided a u-turn over its stance to allow fans to wear rainbow items at stadia.

Pitch invader brings rainbow flag onto field during World Cup match

Portugal 1-0 Uruguay

20:18 , Jamie Braidwood

58 mins: I mean, he’s claiming it. But I think this will be credited to Fernandes.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

GOAL! Portugal 1-0 Uruguay (RONALDO 54’)

20:12 , Jamie Braidwood

You know who, and what a lovely goal this is! It’s all down to the Fernandes cross, it’s lifted into the box and towards the back post. Ronaldo is onside, played on by Varela, and guides it into the net! Or does he? Does Ronaldo get a touch on this? He’s certainly claiming it and either way, Portugal lead!

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

20:12 , Jamie Braidwood

53 mins: Play is back underway, as Felix lashes a shot into the side-netting.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

20:10 , Jamie Braidwood

51 mins: Play has been stopped due to a pitch invader - who was carrying a rainbow flag. We’ll have more on that shortly.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

20:07 , Jamie Braidwood

48 mins: An early corner for Portugal as Carvalho leads the press, but it’s taken short and the cross from Neves is early cleared. Neves then goes down under the challenge of Vecino, who escapes the booking.

Olivera then crunches into Felix. Luckily for him, the whistle had already gone. Otherwise, he may have been dealt his second booking.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

20:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Back underway! No changes at the break.

HALF TIME: Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

20:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Gareth Southgate is not expected to make wholesale changes to his side despite England’s strong position in Group B, but Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson are set to make ther first starts of the World Cup.

The duo are likely to come in for Kieran Trippier and Jude Bellingham, respectively. Elsewhere, Southgate is set to resist the temptation to rest captain Harry Kane ahead of the knockout stages but could make other changes in his attack.

Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford will be hoping to start, as will Phil Foden after he was controversially left on the bench during the goalless draw with the USA. England have no suspension risks as they have not received a single booking so far.

Team news and predicted line-ups ahead of England vs Wales

HALF TIME: Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:54 , Jamie Braidwood

So, another goalless half at the World Cup. Portugal have been in total charge but Bentancur has had the best chance, as well as the only shot on target.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

xG: 0.23-0.62

Shots: 8-4

Shots on target: 0-1

Accurate passes: 294-98

Possession: 70%-30%

Corners: 4-1

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

HALF TIME: Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:48 , Jamie Braidwood

45+3 mins: Last action of the half as Felix slips in Guerreiro down the left. His cross can’t find Ronaldo.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:47 , Jamie Braidwood

45+2 mins: It has also been very scrappy throughout and not what we were hoping for in terms of entertainment.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:46 , Jamie Braidwood

45 mins: There will be three minutes added on. It’s been a strange half, this. Portugal have been on top for most of it but Uruguay have had the best chance.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:44 , Jamie Braidwood

44 mins: Another yellow card. Olivera goes into the book this time for blocking Fernandes’ free kick. So silly.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:42 , Jamie Braidwood

41 mins: Ah this is a shame. Nuno Mendes comes off with an injury and the 20-year-old has a look on his face that suggests he fears his World Cup is over. He is replaced for now by left back Raphaël Guerreiro.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:39 , Jamie Braidwood

39 mins: Now it’s Neves who goes into the book as he picks up a yellow card for bringing down Varela from behind. Valverde’s free-kick is headed away by Pepe.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:38 , Jamie Braidwood

38 mins: Almost! Classy from Ronaldo, who brings a ball down on his chest in the box but runs out of space to get the shot off.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:37 , Jamie Braidwood

35 mins: Bentancur drives forward again and almost sets up Nunez. This is better from Uruguay, who are beginning to make this a contest.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:33 , Jamie Braidwood

32 mins: SAVE! Oh my goodness what a goal this would have been! Bentancur is so, so close to giving Uruguay the lead against the run of play! He does brilliantly well to wriggle between two Portugal challenges on the edge of the box, but he is denied by Costa when he just had the goalkeeper to beat! Bentancur tried to go through his legs when there was space in the corners for the finish!

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:32 , Jamie Braidwood

31 mins: A rare trip into the Portugal half for Uruguay ends in Nunez collapsing in a heap on the edge of the box.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:30 , Jamie Braidwood

29 mins: Portugal play a booming switch out to Fernandes, who is able to direct a header on goal from a tight angle. Ronaldo wanted it headed back to him, but Fernandes was offside anyway.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:27 , Jamie Braidwood

27 mins: There has not been much ambition from Uruguay - but they do not have to win here. They could go into their final match against Ghana on two points knowing victory would take them through to the knockouts, but of course that is a huge match for Ghana and they had a fine win against South Korea earlier today.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:25 , Jamie Braidwood

25 mins: More Portugal possession, but they are finding the passes through the lines and are getting Fernandes and Bernardo involved in dangerous positions.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:23 , Jamie Braidwood

23 mins: Fernandes plays in Ronaldo down the left with a clever pass on the outside of his foot. Ronaldo looks to cross but there’s no one arriving at the back post. Portugal stay on the front foot.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:21 , Jamie Braidwood

21 mins: Uruguay have been absorbing the Portugal punches but can they now hit back on the break? Cavani goes long looking for Nunez but he can’t keep in control after chesting the ball down. Portugal are offering much more here than they did in their opening match but Uruguay look the same in terms of ambition and threat.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:18 , Jamie Braidwood

18 mins: Into the wall and out for a corner. You shouldn’t really be shooting from there but if you’re Ronaldo you get to do those things.

The following corner from Fernandes is awful and goes over everyone.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:17 , Jamie Braidwood

17 mins: From the corner, Portugal play straight to Mendes, who is then fouled. Ronaldo will stand over the free kick, but the angle is a bit wide for shooting at goal...

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:16 , Jamie Braidwood

15 mins: Shot! Portugal work the ball nicely into Bernardo, who then finds Felix on his left. It was pretty obvious that Felix wanted to come inside and Gimenez stands out, before getting the block in. Corner.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:14 , Jamie Braidwood

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:13 , Jamie Braidwood

13 mins: Ooooh, watch out Bentancur. He shoves Ruben Neves to the ground when contesting for the ball and Portugal immediately get in the face of the referee. Bentancur looks wound up and needs to calm down.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:11 , Jamie Braidwood

11 mins: Nunez bounds down the left wing on a solo run. Cancelo covers it well but concedes the corner. Nunez tries to get the Uruguay fans going behind the goal.

The corner finds Gimenez, who can’t keep the header down.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:09 , Jamie Braidwood

9 mins: Portugal look more assertive in these opening 10 minutes than they did against Ghana. Fernandes tries to slide a pass through to Bernardo, but he just runs out of room.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:07 , Jamie Braidwood

7 mins: Ronaldo sets up another chance, this time by leaping high and nodding down a crossfield pass. Fernandes drags the shot wide.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:06 , Jamie Braidwood

6 mins: Yellow card! That’s an early one. Rodrigo Bentancur goes into the book after catching Ruben Dias. Looks quiet harsh but the assistant gave it.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:05 , Jamie Braidwood

6 mins: Felix gets caught again under the challenge. There should be a few of them tonight.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:04 , Jamie Braidwood

4 mins: Shot! How about this from Ronaldo? He sets up Carvalho by cushioning a pass with his right shoulder. The midfielder then catches it on the full volley but blazes over the bar.

Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:03 , Jamie Braidwood

2 mins: There has indeed been a change of shape from Uruguay. They are setting up in a 4-4-2 with Cavani and Nunez in attack. Olivera gets forward from left back and plays a one-two with Cavani, before shooting over.

KICK-OFF! Portugal 0-0 Uruguay

19:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Underway! We have high hopes for this one. Felix goes down for an early foul. There’s a huge roar that tells you that Ronaldo gets his first touch but Valverde nips it off his toes.

Portugal vs Uruguay

18:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Huge game this and a brilliant clash to cap off the second round of World Cup fixtures.

Can Portugal book their place or will Uruguay kick-start their campaign? Kick-off is next!

Portugal vs Uruguay

18:54 , Jamie Braidwood

The teams are out! Time for the anthems, starting with Portugal.

Uruguay’s is such a belter.

Portugal vs Uruguay

18:52 , Jamie Braidwood

These teams met in the knockout stages of the 2018 World Cup, as Uruguay won 2-1 in the round of 16 to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo.

Edinson Cavani scored twice, either side of Pepe, as Uruguay advanced to the quarter-finals.

Remarkably, Cavani, Pepe, Suarez, Ronaldo, they are all still involved tonight four years on.

The new cast led by Felix, Valverde, Fernandes and Nunez will look to take the step up tonight.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Portugal vs Uruguay

18:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Group H permutations

For Portugal, it’s pretty simple: win tonight and they will be through to the last 16

Uruguay cannot either advance or get knocked out tonight, regardless of the result. That’s the case for South Korea and Ghana too.

1) Portugal - P1 W1 D0 L0 - points 3

2) Ghana - P2 W1 D0 L1 - points 3

3) Uruguay - P1 W0 D1 L0 - points 1

4) South Korea - P2 W0 D1 L1 - points

Portugal vs Uruguay

18:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Uruguay head coach Diego Santos: “We would have loved to win in the first match, that’s for sure, but we cannot underestimate the opponent, we cannot underestimate the result we had either.

“We are here to win games, that’s our ultimate goal, and we want to give our best. But at the same time we know in a competition it is difficult, that you need to bring your best and sometimes even if you perform well (or not), anything can happen.

“Of course Portugal have a very good squad, excellent players, a wonderful coach with wide experience. They’re a dangerous team. But on the other hand we also have our own arguments, our own weapons. We will try to win. We will bring our ‘A’ game. Lets see what happens.”

Portugal vs Uruguay

18:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Portugal boss Fernando Santos admits he has been left baffled by the rib injury sustained by Danilo Pereira in training ahead of their World Cup clash with Uruguay.

A statement on the Portuguese Football Federation’s official website on Saturday said the Paris Saint-Germain player was unavailable having “suffered a fracture of three costal arches”.

Santos told a press conference on Sunday: “That’s a type of injury that no-one can explain. We do not understand how that could have happened.

“It’s normal that these type of injuries happen, but we did not see how it happened exactly. Initially we did not think it was very serious, because we made a few exams to see if he was breathing properly and apparently that was the case, but afterwards we see that it was more serious than we expected. But we are following it up.”

Portugal vs Uruguay: Team news!

18:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Portugal coach Fernando Santos drafted in veteran defender Pepe, 39, to replace the injured Danilo Pereira in the centre of his back line while captain Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead the attack.

Santos also moved to strengthen his midfield by bringing in William Carvalho to take the place of Otavio who was an injury concern in the build-up to Portugal’s second match in Group H which they lead after beating Ghana 3-2 last week.

Portugal: Diogo Costa, Joao Cancelo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, William Carvalho, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Portugal vs Uruguay: Team news!

18:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Uruguay coach Diego Alonso dropped striker Luis Suarez to the bench and brought forward Edinson Cavani into his starting 11 for Monday’s World Cup Group H match against Portugal.

After Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with South Korea in their opening match of the tournament, Alonso also gave starts to defenders Sebastian Coates and Guillermo Varela in the place of attacking midfielder Facundo Pellistri and defender Martin Caceres.

Uruguay: Sergio Rochet, Sebastian Coates, Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez, Guillermo Varela, Mathias Olivera, Rodrigo Bentancur, Matias Vecino, Federico Valverde, Edinson Cavani, Darwin Nunez.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

18:17 , Jamie Braidwood

“We can’t stop talking about Neymar,” Casemiro had said in the build up to this latest game of Brazil’s quest to win a sixth World Cup. After his winning goal against Switzerland, they’ll only be talking about him.

With this side’s talismanic No 10 injured and watching wave after wave of pressure go unrewarded from afar, it was left to the defensive midfielder with just five international goals to his name to do his best impression of the absent hero.

The strike was a sweet one, struck hard and to Yann Sommer’s left, the Swiss keeper left with no chance as it arrowed into the corner. The relief in the stadium - and no doubt the team hotel where the laid up No 10 was watching on - was palpable. Neymar will play again at this World Cup, Tite insists, but in what condition remains to be seen, the treatment on the injured ankle that reduced him to tears in the final minutes against Serbia set to continue to the end of the group stages at the very least.

Match report by Ben Burrows at the Stadium 974

Casemiro provides Brazil relief in Neymar absence to edge past Switzerland

FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

18:07 , Jamie Braidwood

How are we feeling about Brazil, then? They are favourites, but have they looked it on the evidence of their opening two wins?

Gary Neville thinks they can reach the final. “They can. I though Spain vs Germany was the best game so far but Brazil are not playing that company yet. I expect them to rise to the occasion [when they do]. They are defending well and have showed they can change games from the bench. I think they are in a good place.”

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

18:01 , Jamie Braidwood

What happens when a superstar forward, with the weight of a nation on his shoulders for the third World Cup running, sustains an injury in match No 1? After the period of mourning, there is discussion. 40 minutes of it.

Brazil’s pre-match press conference on Sunday – involving manager Tite, defender Marquinhos and Tite’s assistant Cesar Sampaio – was mostly devoted to the world’s most expensive player and the effect of his absence for the rest of the group-phase. “Football’s about context and sometimes we have to be strategic,” said Tite. “We have to think outside the box but we’re very confident we have the right replacement.”

So, who would it be? An abundance of terrific depth in attack, deeper than any other team in the tournament, should cover for the loss of the prodigal son. So, would it be one of Arsenal’s dynamic duo: Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli? Maybe Manchester United’s £85m signing Antony? Or Real Madrid young gun Rodrygo? Or how about… Fred?

On this evidence, maybe not, as Kieran Jackson writes.

How Brazil tried to fill Neymar void with Fred - and failed

FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

17:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Player ratings, by Alex Pattle

Casemiro - 8

Was central as ever to Brazil’s possession and momentum. Supplied Vinicius Jr with a perfectly-weighted pass that would have gone down as an assist, had Richarlison not been offside in the build-up. Broke the deadlock on 82 minutes with a great, slashing finish.

Fred - 5

Marked Brazil’s only change, coming in for the injured Neymar, and was never going to do the same job as his nation’s talisman. Booked in the second half, before being taken off.

Richarlison - 4

Touch wasn’t as sharp as it was against Serbia. It felt as if the ball wasn’t quite falling for the forward, but that was down to him most of the time. Cost Brazil a goal by straying offside in the lead-up to Vini Jr’s tidy finish. Made way for Gabriel Jesus.

Brazil vs Switzerland player ratings: Richarlison back down to earth

FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

17:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Brazil have found a way! They are through to the knockout stages, and become just the second team along with France to win both of their opening games.

Casemiro was the unlikely hero in Neymar’s absence, but what a strike it was. It earns Brazil their best start to a World Cup since 2002.

What happened then? Well, they only went and won it.

Casemiro slashes a half-volley home to break the deadlock (EPA)
Casemiro slashes a half-volley home to break the deadlock (EPA)

Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

17:51 , Jamie Braidwood

90+4 mins: Another late Brazil chance! Antony slips in Rodrygo but Akanji makes a big block.

Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

17:50 , Jamie Braidwood

90+3 mins: Late chance for Brazil on the break! Vinicius leads the two-on-one but goes himself when Antony was free! Switzerland clear.

Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

17:50 , Jamie Braidwood

90+2 mins: What have you got, Switzerland? Rodriguez hangs a ball into the box but Thiago Silva heads away.

Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

17:47 , Jamie Braidwood

90 mins: There’s noise around Stadium 974 now as the Brazil fans celebrate. They have the ball in the corner but there will be six minutes of added time to play.

Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

17:45 , Jamie Braidwood

87 mins: All of a sudden, Brazil are heading into the last 16. Switzerland had all 11 men behind the ball and a point would have been huge for them.

There’s still time, though. That said, Switzerland have yet to have a shot on target.

GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland (CASEMIRO 83’)

17:40 , Jamie Braidwood

This one counts! Brazil find the breakthrough and it comes from an unlikely source! Cometh the hour, cometh the Casemiro.

The midfielder finds himself in the box after making a late run and slices a shot across goal. It takes a slight deflection, which sees the ball drift away from Sommer, and tucks into the far corner!

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:39 , Jamie Braidwood

81 mins: Antony takes the latest Brazil set-piece with a corner from the right. Sommer punches away before Guimaraes follows in with the header. Sommer saves again.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:37 , Jamie Braidwood

79 mins: An awkward moment for Switzerland from the free kick as Antony bends one in. It takes a touch off a Switzerland head but Sommer collects.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:36 , Jamie Braidwood

78 mins: Antony tries to make something happen on the right and is barged into by Rodriguez. Antony wants a yellow but the referee is unmoved.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:34 , Jamie Braidwood

75 mins: Oh dear, Rodrygo. He balloons a free kick over everyone and out for a goal kick after Widmer had fouled Vinicius.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:30 , Jamie Braidwood

72 mins: More chances incoming for Brazil. Gabriel Jesus and Antony are on. Richarlison, unable to reproduce the magic of his double against Serbia, is off and so is Raphinha.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:28 , Jamie Braidwood

70 mins: Sad times, but we go on. Vinicius Jr then races around the outside of Akanji and wins a free-kick on the left edge. Switzerland are able to clear but Vinicius is running this game now and Brazil need to give him the ball at every opportunity.

NO GOAL! Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Noooo! Richarlison was offside in the build-up. It’s disallowed!

Richarlison was quite clearly offside, to be fair. It wasn’t obvious to see initially as he was coming back from an offside position.

GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland (VINICIUS JR 64’)

17:21 , Jamie Braidwood

SUBLIME! And Brazil needed this! Elvedi had been faultless up until now but makes a mistake as Brazil burst forward. Vinicius beats him to the ball with a lovely touch and drifts into the box, before opening his body and guiding a finish past Sommer!

Lovely, lovely goal.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:18 , Jamie Braidwood

60 mins: Better from Switzerland! They are growing in confidence and Embolo has a chance on the edge of the box. He had numbers over on his left but choses to shoot. It’s blocked by Marquinhos and Brazil clear.

They’ve still yet to test Alisson.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:16 , Jamie Braidwood

58 mins: Changes, changes, changes.

Bruno Guimaraes replaces Fred for Brazil while there are two for Swizterland. Vargas and Rieder are off and Fernandes and Steffen come on.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:14 , Jamie Braidwood

56 mins: CHANCE! Super from Vinicius! Brazil work it wide to the left and he plays a beautiful cross into the box with the outside of his right foot. Richarlison was close to sliding in but just couldn’t reach it.

At the other end Alisson was almost caught on the ball by Embolo moments before.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:13 , Jamie Braidwood

55 mins: Only one team at the World Cup have won both of their first two games, France. Brazil are looking to join them but this performance is showing just how hard it has been to do. There isn’t much separating the teams in Qatar and there doesn’t seem to be a standout.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:11 , Jamie Braidwood

53 mins: Action! Lovely switch from Switzerland, who ping it wide to the rampaging Widmer. Sandro slides in well to cut out the cross after Widmer brought it down, before Brazil scramble clear.

Switzerland then come again down the left as they win a corner. This is better.

Alisson collects the corner.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:09 , Jamie Braidwood

52 mins: Yikes. Raphinha’s cross is headed away from Xhaka - that has to be better - before Fred is booked for bringing down Embolo.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:08 , Jamie Braidwood

50 mins: Rodrygo catches a stray elbow from Rieder in the chin. He picks up the game’s first yellow card.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:07 , Jamie Braidwood

49 mins: I’d love to tell you Brazil have come out for the second half with more urgency. I don’t want to lie though.

Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:05 , Jamie Braidwood

47 mins: Sommer gives the ball away cheaply but Brazil can’t take advantage as Richarlison’s cross is cleared. Thiago Silva then fouls Embolo on the halfway line.

KICK OFF! Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Pacqueta off! Rodrygo comes on. Fred survives!

HALF TIME: Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

17:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Brazil are back in the tunnel and the second half is coming up. Rodrygo is coming on!

We. Can. Only. Hope. For. More.

HALF TIME: Brazil 0-0 Switzerland

16:57 , Jamie Braidwood

At least Brazil have options. They probably don’t need Fred alongside Casemiro, as well as Pacqueta.

So... if Tite decides to change anything he only has Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo and Antony all on the bench.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website