FIFA World Cup HIGHLIGHTS: Brazil, Portugal in knockout stage; Casimero, Bruno score

BRAZIL AND PORTUGAL HAVE qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022 knockout stages with back to back victories.

Brazil, who beat Serbia in their first match, faced a much stiffer resistance from the Switzerland defence. Their attack, too, looked less sharp after resting the likes of Neymar. But the breakthrough from Casimero that tipped the result in their favour came 83 minutes in, making sure they got through to the second round with 6 points in their bag.

Portugal, meanwhile, were facing a veritable footballing force in the form of Uruguay and it took every ounce of effort from Cristiano Ronaldo and the team to make sure they won their second match in a row. Like Brazil, Portugal struggled to find a breakthrough throughout the first half but Bruno Fernandes found the net early in the second half, breaking the deadlock.

Portugal doubled their lead through Bruno himself in the late penalty. This 2-0 victory ensures that Portugal will be one of the teams that will progress to the second round.

What made these two matches interesting is that being placed in gropups G and H, both Brazil and Portugal are on a potential collision course with each other if one of them slips up in the last group stage match. But with both teams at the top of their tables with 6 points apiece, they look set to avoid playing each other, at least this early in the competition.

Both of these popular teams will be back in action on the night of 2nd December. Portugal will take on South Korea at 8:30 PM IST while Brazil will face Cameroon at 12:30 AM IST. Fans in India will be able to watch both matches live on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema.

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