After the former Manchester United man went to head Bruno Fernandes' cross from the left, the ball beat Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet on 54 minutes.
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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner ran towards the corner flag as he, his Portugal teammates, and fans, celebrated taking the lead.
His reaction firmly suggests he believes he got the final touch, however, replays aren't so conclusive.
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Ronaldo was initially awarded the goal, which would have seen him go level with Portuguese icon Eusebio for World Cup goals (nine).
However, the goal was later awarded to Fernandes with replays suggesting the 37-year-old didn't manage to get a touch on it.
Ronaldo was substituted on 82 minutes as Fernando Santos' side looked to see out the result.
Fernandes then got his second of the evening with a controversial penalty to seal the win.
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And he came mightily close to getting his hat-trick on two occasions in the final minute of the match, hitting the post with one effort.
The result sees Portugal advance to the Round of 16, joining France and Brazil in the knockout stage.
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