Portugal coach Fernando Santos has lamented the elimination of his team in the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, while expressing his wish that the reigning European champions continue to be led by Cristiano Ronaldo, "who still has a lot to give to football".

"I am convinced that he has a lot to give to football, there is a tournament in September, the league of UEFA nations and we hope he is with us to help the young people, who need the example of the captain," he said of the 31-year-old superstar after Portugal's loss on Saturday, reports Efe. Edinson Cavani scored in the seventh and 62nd minutes while Portugal got their goal from Pepe in the 55th minute at the Fisht Stadium as Uruguay entered the last eight stage of the World Cup only for the second time in 48 years.