Portuguese media react to Bruno Fernandes’ performance vs Turkey at Euro 2024

Bruno Fernandes played 90 minutes as Portugal ensured progression to Euro 2024 knockout stages with a 3-0 win against Turkey.

After taking part in the tense opening fixture against the Czech Republic, the United captain and his team were more comfortable this time around.

Bernardo Silva’s opener was quickly added to through a bizarre own-goal before Fernandes scored the third in the early stages of the second half.

It was a simple finish for the 29-year-old, who received a square pass from Cristiano Ronaldo to finish into an empty net.

But how did he get on throughout the game? Portuguese media have reacted to his display, including a ‘very important’ job he did on Turkey’s star man Hakan Çalhanoğlu.

Mais Futebol wrote: “Without giving it much away, the midfielder played a very important role in keeping an eye on Çalhanoglu. Martínez gave him the task of limiting the influential Inter Milan player, and the Maiato did it perfectly.

“With the ball, Bruno Fernandes was the player he is: he accumulated shots, broke through the opposing defence on several occasions and took risks in passing. He scored his third goal for the Portuguese and finally scored his first goal in a major tournament.”

Zap added: “Nice game from the midfielder, especially in the second half. He scored again (the 3-0), was, with Ronaldo, the most shot, with four shots, made six progressive passes, two super progressive dribbles and won eight of 13 individual duels.”

Speaking after the Euro 2024 victory, Fernandes said: “Obviously, everyone likes to score, but it’s not more important; that showed in my goal.

“Cris [Cristiano Ronaldo] is a person who is our best scorer, and, in a moment of opportunity to score, he gives the ball wide. It shows what it means to us, to win games and not to score goals.”

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