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Bernardo Silva vows to dedicate a Portuguese ‘victory’ over Uruguay to injured teammate Danilo Pereira – despite the game not taking place until MONDAY – with the midfielder sidelined after breaking his ribs in training
Bernardo Silva has dedicated Portugal’s victory over Uruguay to his injured team-mate Danilo Pereira, despite the game only taking place on Monday.
Midfielder Danilo has been ruled out for at least the rest of the group stage after breaking his ribs in training just days after playing 90 minutes in his side’s opening game against Ghana.
Through GOALSilva sent an emotional message to the 31-year-old, but stumbled over his words when he spoke to reporters in a seemingly strong pre-match show of confidence.
Bernardo Silva has dedicated Portugal’s ‘victory’ over Uruguay to injured star Danilo Pereira
In any case, Danilo has been ruled out for the group stage after breaking his ribs in training
However, the match will only take place on Monday evening, when Portugal could qualify for the knockout rounds if they win
“We want to dedicate this victory to Danilo, because he is a fantastic player and person.
“That’s why we want to do it for him. But we have a strong arsenal of weapons and we will be ready to play against anyone in this tournament.’
The match kicks off at 7pm UK time on Monday and could secure Portugal’s place in the knockout round of the tournament with a win.
But they stumbled past the lowest ranked side in the league on Monday, winning the game 3-2 to take the three points.
Uruguay is ranked 14th in the world – 47 places higher than Ghana in 61st – but Portugal in ninth place is going into the game as favourites.
Portugal stumbled past Ghana in their opening game, with Cristiano Ronaldo (left) netting
Uruguay, meanwhile, drew 0-0 with South Korea and will yearn for a positive result
Uruguay itself will be desperate for a result after drawing 0-0 against South Korea in the opening match of the tournament.
Silva, meanwhile, played 88 minutes of the match before being substituted for Joao Palhinha.
Cristiano Ronaldo played in his first game since his contract was terminated by Manchester United and is expected to start again on Monday.