![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/UruguayvPortugalJun2018_large.jpg\")
Two goals from Edinson Cavani have given Uruguay a win in their World Cup last 16 clash against Portugal in Sochi tonight.<\/p>\nTwo goals from Edinson Cavani have given Uruguay a win in their World Cup last 16 clash against Portugal in Sochi tonight.<\/p>\n
The South Americans went ahead early after a cross-pitch one-two between Cavani and Luis Suarez resulted in the Cavani heading in after only seven minutes.<\/p>\n
They held that lead until 10 minutes into the second half when Portugal defender Pepe headed in a cross after some uncharacteristically slack defending by Uruguay.<\/p>\n
However, the European champions were level for only six minutes after a wonder strike from Cavani gave Uruguay the lead again which they were to hold until the end of the game.<\/p>\n
Uruguay welcomed back central defender Jose Gimenez for the game.<\/p>\n
The Atl\u00e9tico Madrid star missed the 3-0 victory over Russia but he replaced Sebastian Coates in the only change to a Uruguay side which again saw Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez spearhead the attack.<\/p>\n
Portugal made three changes from the XI which drew 1-1 with Iran on Monday to secure second spot in Group B.<\/p>\n
Cristiano Ronaldo wore the armband as the European champions brought in Ricardo, Goncalo Guedes and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, with Cedric Soares, Ricardo Quaresma and Andre Silva dropping out.<\/p>\n
Uruguay took a seventh-minute lead through Cavani’s close-range header.<\/p>\n
Cavani sprayed a wonderful diagonal ball to Suarez before breaking into the area and finishing his fellow forward’s cross at the far post.<\/p>\n
Portugal had started brightly with Fernando Muslera holding Ronaldo’s 20-yard attempt.<\/p>\n
Cavani’s goal was the difference at half-time as Uruguay held on to their 1-0 lead.<\/p>\n
Uruguay had not conceded in their previous six games and it showed as a well-organised defense frustrated Ronaldo and company.<\/p>\n
Portugal improved after the restart and they were rewarded when Pepe headed an equaliser on 55 minutes.<\/p>\n
Uruguay were caught napping from a short corner and Raphael Guerreiro’s cross cleared the head of Ronaldo before center-back Pepe gave Muslera no chance.<\/p>\n
But Uruguay were back in front seven minutes later when Rodrigo Betancur freed Cavani and the Paris St Germain striker curled home his second of the night.<\/p>\n
And Uruguay withstood late Portugal pressure to ensure they will play France in the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n