Bruno Fernandes was in action on Tuesday night as Portugal kick-started their Euros campaign with a 2-1 win.
In the final game of round one in this summer’s European Championships, it was Portugal who grabbed the three points.
One of the favourites in the entire competition and a nation featuring two Manchester United players with both Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot starting for Selecao.
It was a frustrating evening for Portugal, with a late winner seeing them pass the Czech Republic unscathed as they look for a second Euros crown in three attempts.
After the game, Portuguese media have been reacting to Fernandes’ performance in particular. Here’s what they’ve been saying.
What Portuguese media have said about Bruno Fernandes’ performance for Portugal
After Portugal’s 2-1 win, the Portuguese media were in complete praise of Fernandes for his display, despite not scoring or assisting.
Portuguese outlet, Bola Na Rede, reacted to Fernandes’ performance, writing: “Portugal’s main agitator in the first half. Manchester United’s midfielder was a key player in the Portuguese construction, registering two key passes and [creating] a great opportunity (excellent pass). Apart from the half-distance shots he had. It was creating danger.”
Another reaction came from Mais Futebol who wrote: “If Vitinha is the conductor, Bruno is the man of the last pass. Feels comfortable making risky decisions, because that’s how he usually plays. The Manchester United midfielder was just like himself in the European debut. Bruno Fernandes grabbed the game in the final stage of the first half, tried the goal from outside the area and dazzled with sensational passes that neither Raphael Leão nor Cristiano Ronaldo did not take advantage of. It made my mouth water for the next games.”
Finally, Zap Aeiou gave the following reaction: “United midfielder Bruno Fernandes led the ratings for a long time. He created a flagrant occasion in two passes for submission, hit 70 of 82 deliveries, added 11 actions with the ball and six progressive passes.”
All three outlets had Fernandes among the five highlights of the game as well. Meanwhile, he was handed a 7/10 by outlet Observador: “His style of play (constantly taking risks to collect the highest rewards) does not fit easily into low blocks, like Czechia. Being one of the players on earth with the least patience to struggle, he tried everything: boards, shots, passes, crosses — one of them, low, in the 25th minute, offered the goal to Rafael Leão.”
The Portuguese outlet, SIC wrote: “It was not as influential as usual and yet the production of the attack was very dependent on his right foot. At 25′ he provided Rafael Leão with a cross that only did not give a goal by millimetres and six minutes later he left Cristiano on the edge of the festivities, only denied by Stanek’s great intervention.”
How did Bruno Fernandes do for Portugal?
Despite not being at his sparkling best, as he so often is for both at Old Trafford and for Portugal, Fernandes still ranked are one of the best players in the team for the Selecao.
He played the entire 90 and created two chances in the game, both of which were squandered by his more attacking teammates.
He had two shots of his own with one in particular troubling the Czech goalkeeper.
Fernandes won four duels and made seven recoveries as he also contributed defensively in an all-round strong performance to open the tournament – although he’ll know he can do better.