Bruno becomes fifth Red to score a World Cup brace
Joe Nelson
Tuesday 29 November 2022 14:10
When Bruno Fernandes dispatched his second-half penalty against Uruguay on Monday evening to make it 2-0, he added his name to the list of Reds to have scored two goals in a single game at a World Cup finals.
Only four others have ever achieved such a feat while at United, going all the way back to the only time England have lifted the trophy, in 1966.
The Portuguese maestro scored both of his nation's goals in the second period of the highly anticipated Group H clash at the Lusail Stadium, guaranteeing the Euro 2016 winners a place in the last 16 after just two group-stage matches.
As he has done for United so many times before, Bruno made the difference for Portugal. You can find out which Reds have also scored a World Cup finals brace by reading on…
Bruno Fernandes' game by numbers vs. Uruguay:
84% pass accuracy
83 touches
5/6 long balls completed
3 ground duels won
3 shots on target
Simply magic. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/AEfiK8f2v8
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2022
BOBBY CHARLTON – 1966
On the way to lifting the 1966 World Cup, England had to overcome some star-studded sides. In the group-stage, the Three Lions were up against two-time winners Uruguay, before defeating Argentina 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
Portugal awaited Sir Alf Ramsey's side in the semis, led by the talismanic brilliance of Eusebio, who had scored four goals in the round prior. Despite his talent, Eusebio's goal against England was only a consolation, as Bobby Charlton outshone him and had already scored two by that point.
Sir Bobby scored in the 30th and the 80th minute to put England firmly in the driving seat, and of course, they went on to lift the trophy that year too, after the Three Lions triumphed over West Germany in the final.
WEMBLEY FLASHBACK: On this day in 1966 a Bobby Charlton double v Portugal fired @England into the World Cup Final! pic.twitter.com/6FGTNWcR1D
— Wembley Stadium (@wembleystadium) July 26, 2016
BRYAN ROBSON – 1982
Sixteen years would pass before a United player again scored two in a World Cup finals fixture. England got their campaign under way on 16 June, against France.
Bryan Robson wasted no time getting the Three Lions off to a flyer either, scoring after just 27 seconds. Gerard Soler brought France level after 24 minutes, but it was Robson again who made the difference after the break, notching on 67 minutes for his and England's second of the match.
Paul Mariner grabbed another for Ron Greenwood's side, as the Three Lions started the 1982 World Cup in the best possible fashion.
Another iconic World Cup moment from Spain 1982.
Bryan Robson and his famous goal against France in Bilbao after just 27 Secs.#England #WorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/0kRtbgNEdX
— TV Football 1968-92 (@1968Tv) November 15, 2022
Robin van Persie (2014)
The Netherlands surprised everyone in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup finals, by eclipsing holders Spain – who had also lifted the 2008 and 2012 Euros – 5-1.
United striker Robin van Persie got the first and fourth of the five goals – including that iconic diving header from fellow Red Daley Blind's pinpoint through ball – as the Netherlands announced themselves as real competitors in Brazil.
It's been eight years since Robin van Persie scored THAT header against Spain ✈️🇳🇱
(via @FIFAWorldCup)pic.twitter.com/Le3yITMRzk
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 13, 2022
Romelu Lukaku – 2018
The only Red to have scored a brace in two separate World Cup finals' matches, Romelu Lukaku turned on the style for Belgium in the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Romelu scored twice in both of the opening two games against Panama and Tunisia, as Belgium won 3-0 and 5-2, respectively.
Lukaku didn't score again that tournament, as his nation – which many dubbed Belgium's golden generation - reached the semi-finals and were defeated 1-0 by eventual winners France.
23 June 2018. Romelu Lukaku becomes our #WorldCup all time top scorer against Tunisia. 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/ib9WmD4DAe
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 23, 2022
Bruno nets a brace as Portugal progress
Two goals from Fernandes prove decisive, as his side beat Uruguay to book a place in the World Cup's last 16.
Are United the top club at the World Cup?
Find out where the Reds stand after our players' goal involvements out in Qatar.
Neymar sums up our feelings towards Casemiro
Read what the Brazil striker has tweeted about our man following his sensational winning goal at the World Cup.
Qatar 2022 World Cup Blog adcard
Follow The Reds
Bryan Robson
Sir Bobby Charlton
Robin van Persie
Centre-backs are giving Erik a selection headache