Cristiano Ronaldo follows Lionel Messi out of the World Cup as he scores a 5 in our Portugal ratings

Matt Jones - Editor 00:36 01/07/2018
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  • The 2018 World Cup has seen the back of Cristiano Ronaldo.

    It wasn’t to be for Cristiano Ronaldo and Co as European champions Portugal exited at the last 16 stage at the hands of Uruguay, with Ronaldo sent home from the World Cup on the same day as Lionel Messi.

    Uruguay edged past Portugal 2-1 as Edinson Cavani’s brace sent the South Americans soaring into the quarter-finals.

    Cavani emphatically nodded in a cross from strike partner Luis Suarez. Portugal got back on level terms early in the second half when Pepe headed in Raphael Guerreiro’s hanging cross.

    They weren’t level for long though, with Cavani curling Uruguay back in front with a superb effort seven minutes later.

    Portugal pushed but with Ronaldo uninspiring, Uruguay doggedly held on.

    Here we rate the Portugal players:

    PORTUGAL (4-4-2)

    Rui Patricio – 5:

    Could have done better with Cavani’s header perhaps? Got down well to stop Suarez’s free-kick. Bad positioning for the second Uruguay goal.

    Ricardo Pereira – 6:

    A surprise starter considering he’d not previously featured. Didn’t let himself or his side down with a committed performance.

    Pepe – 6:

    Just when it was looking like Uruguay’s defence were unbreachable, Pepe popped up to haul Portugal level. Error led to Cavani winner though.

    Jose Fonte – 6:

    Doesn’t usually fill you with confidence but was calm and committed. Suarez caused him no end of worry though.

    Raphael Guerreiro – 7:

    Hasn’t enjoyed the best tournament but had a solid outing and swung in a great cross for the equaliser.

    Bernardo Silva – 8:

    Had been way below his best in Russia but was on his game here, giving La Celeste plenty of headaches. Poked and probed all night long. A real menace. Should have scored after Muslera’s spill.

    Adrien Silva – 5:

    Another woeful performance from the Leicester man as he failed to leave any lasting impression on the game before being subbed off.

    William Carvalho – 7:

    Carvalho did what Carvalho does, goes diligently about his business. He’s a hard man to get off the ball even for Uruguay’s hard-working midfield.

    Joao Mario – 7:

    Had quietly his best game of the World Cup. Was strange to see him taken off with minutes remaining as Portugal searched for an equaliser.

    Goncalo Guedes – 4:

    Brought in after being left out against Iran. Should have been kept out as he again put in another anonymous performance.

    Cristiano Ronaldo – 5:

    A peripheral figure for much of the night as he stayed largely on the fringes out wide. Disappointingly struggled to impact the game meaningfully.

    SUBS:

    Ricardo Quresma – 6:

    Brought on to see if he could recreate his heroics from Iran game, but it was too little, too late.

    Andre Silva – 6:

    Brought on as Portugal pressed for a goal, but had little sight of goal.

    Manuel Fernandes N/A:

    At least tried to spark a revival as he unleashed shots twice from long range.

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