Brilliant Edinson Cavani double sends Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal home

At the other end of the field, is a rock-solid defense anchored by Atletico Madrid center back pairing, Diego Godin and Jose’ Gimenez that’s given up just one goal in four matches at the 2018 World Cup.

Portugal bowed out of Russian Federation 2018 on Saturday, with Uruguay prevailing 2-1 in the last-16 encounter courtesy of a brilliant brace from Edinson Cavani.

And after Portugal equalized on Pepe’s header in the 55th minute, it was Cavani again finishing a ideal Uruguay counter in the 62nd with a shot from just inside the penalty area that caught Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio slightly out of position and curled inside the far post.

Tabarez praised the determination of his side after they withstood waves of pressure from Portugal, following Cavani’s 55th minute strike, which regained the lead for Uruguay.

Yet despite Portugal’s dominance it only took a few minutes for Uruguay to restore their lead, Cavani racing onto a pass to curl home a lovely first-time shot from the edge of the box.

Uruguay were congratulated by Cristiano Ronaldo for their knockout stage victory over Portugal on Saturday night, the forward insisting his side have no reason to feel ashamed following their exit from the World Cup.

Cavani headed home before the break and, soon after Pepe had headed a second-half equaliser, scored the victor with a superb curling shot.

Back came Portugal but, after a good spell of pressure, Joao Mario’s cross was too deep for Ronaldo and Muslera claimed. Next up for the underdogs is France and if they can snatch the first goal, their defence could see them through to the final four.

32 – Ronaldo gets a free kick try just outside the box but it goes right at the wall.

The quarter-final match between Uruguay and Portugal will take place in Sochi on Sunday (4am AEST). Crucially, though, Cavani and Uruguay had the ideal response.

How will Uruguay line up against Portugal?

While Cavani stole the headlines with his match-winning brace, defensive midfielder Torreira played a huge role in Uruguay’s win, breaking up any number of Portugal attacks.