Fernando Santos and his Portugal players were disappointed but not crestfallen after the 2-1 defeat to South Korea this afternoon.

The overall sentiment was that lessons should be learned from the loss, but the squad remained focused and confident ahead of their last-16 match next Tuesday. 

Portugal top Group H but end on bum note

It was a case of job done for Portugal but that was the only real positive as the Seleção let an early lead slip in defeat to South Korea.

Ricardo Horta scored inside five minutes but Santos’ side couldn’t kick on from the bright start and their more motivated opponents made them pay with a spirited turnaround capped with a stoppage time winning goal.

PortuGOAL.net’s Jamie Farr rates players’ performances.

Portugal ended the 2022 World Cup group stage with a 2-1 defeat to South Korea. The Seleção took the lead in the 5th minute, Diogo Dalot beating his marker and putting the ball on a plate for Ricardo Horta.

South Korea equalized in the 27th minute when Ronaldo failed to clear a corner, diverting the ball straight into the path of Kim Young-Gwon who finished from close range.

Portugal looked most likely to snatch a late winner but were caught on the counter following a corner. Son Heung-Min raced clear and showed his class by teeing up Hwang Hee-Chan who beat Diogo Costa from close range.

The defeat made no difference to Portugal’s position at the top of Group H, the Seleção into the Round of 16 where they will take on Switzerland, Serbia or Cameroon in Lusail.

PortuGOAL’s Matthew Marshall reports from Education City Stadium.

Another Bruno Fernandes masterclass

At times composed, at times rattled, and never predictable, it was a classic Seleção performance at the Lusail Stadium.

Fernando Santos deployed two defensive midfielders to start, and Uruguay were muted during the opening 45 minutes. But Bruno Fernandes’ goal brought them out of their shell and a tense standoff ensued until a late penalty sealed all three points for Portugal.

PortuGOAL.net’s Nathan Motz is back again to grade each player’s contributions as Portugal successfully qualified for the knockout rounds with one match to spare.