Uruguay have booked their place in the last eight of the FIFA World Cup as they beat Portugal 2-1 this evening.
On a day when Lionel Messi was sent home, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo will be joining him on the next flight out of Russia as a spirited Uruguayan side sent home the reigning European Champions.
Uruguay who will now play France in the quarter finals, have Edison Cavani to thank as his brace put an end to Portugal’s bid to win a second major title within two years.
Uruguay who hadn’t conceded a goal up until tonight, put on a spirited show and took the lead in less than seven minutes when Cavani headed home from a pinpoint Luis Suarez cross.
Portugal who were reliant on their ever present talisman Ronaldo were restricted to little in the first half and found themselves trailing at the break.
The second half began with the Portuguese dominating possession and they were rewarded for their efforts when Pepe powered home a header from a corner on the 55th minute.
However that lead lasted all of seven minutes and Portugal were ultimately sent home when Cavani stepped up and placed a low shot past Patracio following a swift counter-attack.
Despite dominating possession for the last half hour Portugal were unable to break down a resolute Uruguayan defence which has let one goal in four games.
Uruguay now head into the quarter finals and will hope to produce a similar performance against France on Friday, and book their place in the semi-finals.