The Portuguese Football Federation will reportedly ‘present evidence to FIFA’ to prove Cristiano Ronaldo should be credited with the opening goal against Uruguay, despite actual evidence proving he didn’t.
It initially looked as though Ronaldo had drawn level with Portugal’s record World Cup goalscorer Eusebio when he rose to try and head in Bruno Fernandes’ 54th-minute cross on Monday.
But after replays provided no evidence of a touch from the striker, the goal was awarded to Fernandes, who later went on to convert a penalty to secure Portugal’s 2-0 win and safe passage into the last 16.
But according to Edu Aguirre of El Chiringuito TV, the Portuguese Federation were desperate to see Ronaldo given the goal.
He said: “The Portuguese Federation is going to present evidence to FIFA to prove it.”
Now, it’s not clear what evidence they have or whether they have any, but actual evidence suggests Ronaldo got nothing on Fernandes’ cross.
Using technology similar to the Snickometer in cricket, FIFA were able to prove CR7 made no contact.
It was definitely not Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal, say adidas, who have used the 500Hz IMU sensor inside the match ball to show there was no contact. Images attached @MailSport pic.twitter.com/mjRZwcv8n8
— Kieran Gill (@kierangill_DM) November 29, 2022
As it turns out, Ronaldo is “destined for Hollywood” and will definitely now be sulking.
But grown man Fernandes insisted after the game that he didn’t care whether he would be awarded the goal or not.
“I don’t think it really matters who scored the goal at this point,” Fernandes said.
“The feeling I had at the time was that Cristiano touched the ball. I was passing the ball to him.
“But the important thing was that we won tonight against a very tough opponent.
“The importance of us being first in the group includes us winning the next game, which would allow us to come out of the group undefeated. That is what we want.
“We have a very organised team ahead of us on Friday, and our objective is to take it match by match.”
READ MORE: Dark horses Uruguay pull up lame as Bruno Fernandes powers Portugal into last 16
