Sports News Roundup: Soccer-Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 to become third team into last 16; Analysis-At Qatar World Cup, Mideast tensions spill into stadiums and more

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Soccer-Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 to become third team into last 16

Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 on Monday with two goals from midfielder Bruno Fernandes to become the third team after France and Brazil to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage. The Europeans had dominated possession before Fernandes' 54th-minute cross floated past Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, who was rooted to the spot as Cristiano Ronaldo rose to head the ball and initially celebrated the goal as his.

Analysis-At Qatar World Cup, Mideast tensions spill into stadiums

The first World Cup in the Middle East has become a showcase for the political tensions crisscrossing one of the world's most volatile regions and the ambiguous role often played by host nation Qatar in its crises. Iran's matches have been the most politically charged as fans voice support for protesters who have been boldly challenging the clerical leadership at home. They have also proved diplomatically sensitive for Qatar which has good ties to Tehran.

NHL roundup: Knights nip Jackets in 7th round of the shootout

Paul Cotter scored in the seventh round of a shootout to give the visiting Vegas Golden Knights a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night. Cotter, trying his first career NHL shootout attempt, deked Columbus goaltender Daniil Tarasov to his right and put a forehand shot inside the left post for the game-winner.

Arab fans unite after surprise wins in Qatar

Victories against the odds by Arab teams competing at the Middle East's first World Cup have inspired their supporters, bringing a rare sense of optimism and unity for fans from the Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean. Saudi Arabia delivered the early shock of the tournament, defeating two-time World Cup champions Argentina, and Morocco then overcame second-ranked team Belgium - roared on by the vast majority of fans at both matches in the Gulf state of Qatar.

Soccer-Ex-England player Barnes slams critics of World Cup hosts Qatar

Former England international John Barnes slammed critics who have questioned World Cup hosts Qatar's treatment of migrant workers, saying detractors of the country had turned a blind eye to their progress on human rights. Qatar, which was awarded hosting rights for the World Cup in 2010, has faced intense criticism from human rights groups over its treatment of migrant workers.

Golf Tiger withdraws from Hero World Challenge with foot injury

Tiger Woods on Monday announced he will not compete at this week's Hero World Challenge due to a foot injury that is making it difficult for him to walk but said he still plans to compete at two events in December. Woods, who turns 47 next month and has not competed since missing the cut at the British Open in July, said he developed the injury to his right heel while preparing for the annual charity tournament in the Bahamas.

Soccer-World Cup 2022 squads: list of 26-man teams playing in FIFA tournament

Full list of players called up for the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar: ARGENTINA

NBA roundup: Kristaps Porzingis' career night carries Wizards

Kristaps Porzingis scored 29 of his career-high 41 points in the first half as the Washington Wizards led wire-to-wire in a 142-127 win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Porzingis was 6 of 10 from 3-point range for Washington, which recorded a season-high point total and snapped a three-game losing streak.

Golf-Australian Open's revamped format 'good for the game' - Smith

The Australian Open's new format, in which the men's and women's tournaments will take place simultaneously, will be good for golf, world number three Cameron Smith said on Tuesday. The regional circuit's most prestigious event returns in Melbourne this week after being canceled twice during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be held at Kingston Heath and the Victoria Golf Club from Dec. 1-4.

Soccer-Fans brace for politically charged U.S.-Iran match at World Cup

Diplomatic foes the United States and Iran face off on the pitch at the World Cup on Tuesday in a match that some Iranians fear may see further run-ins with stadium security or clashes with pro-government fans over raging protests back home.

The contest between the two nations that severed ties over 40 years ago will be held with increased security to prevent a flare-up of tensions over the unrest that has gripped Iran since the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on Sept. 16.

(With inputs from agencies.)