Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, showcased his exceptional skills on Friday evening, contributing two crucial assists in Portugal’s 3-2 triumph over Slovakia during Euro 2024 qualifying.
In the 18th minute, our number 8 delivered a perfectly-weighted pass, setting up Goncalo Ramos, who found the back of the net. Shortly before the half-hour mark, former Red Cristiano Ronaldo extended Selecao’s lead by converting a penalty. Slovakia managed to pull one back through David Hancko with twenty minutes left to play. However, our Portuguese playmaker continued to shine, providing another assist as his low cross was tapped home by Ronaldo for his second goal of the evening.
Stanislav Lobotka of Napoli scored another for Slovakia, ending the match at 3-2 in favor of Portugal in Porto. With this victory, Roberto Martinez’s squad secured their place in next summer’s tournament in Germany. Another United teammate, Diogo Dalot, played the full 90 minutes in Porto as Portugal extended their lead in Group J to eight points over second-placed Slovakia.
Bruno Fernandes, in his 59th appearance for the national team, exhibited top form and will next face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday in Zenica.
In other European action, England took on Australia in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium, emerging as 1-0 victors. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa found the net, tapping in Jack Grealish’s cross from close range after 57 minutes of play.