Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence in Portugal is no longer obvious because Bruno Fernandes is emerging as the number 1 star.
Against Luxembourg, Portugal soon scored the opening goal. The situation originated from Bruno Fernandes’ corner kick.
After the players started fighting in the penalty area. The ball bounced back to Bruno’s position.
The star born in 1994 suddenly launched a trivela cross that made everyone admire. This is a familiar creation technique of the Manchester United midfielder.
Goncalo Inacio jumped high and headed the ball, leaving the away team’s goalkeeper standing still.
After the spontaneous moment just mentioned, number 8 also created 2 other assists and once personally entered his name on the electronic board. Bruno shined on the day Portugal defeated Luxembourg with 9 unanswered goals.
Usually, when Portugal meets weak teams, Cristiano Ronaldo is the focus name. CR7 knows how to hit those opponents with a few goals.
On a day without Ronaldo, Bruno led the Portuguese attack brilliantly.
Even when Ronaldo appeared on the field in the match against Slovakia, Bruno could take the spotlight from the captain.
Bruno was the one who scored the goal that helped Portugal defeat Slovakia with a minimum score of 1-0. With Bruno, Portugal had 2 victories over the teams ranked right behind them in the EURO 2024 qualifying round.
Regarding Ronaldo, the biggest attention left by the 38-year-old striker was the dangerous collision with Martin Dubravka. In the context of Ronaldo no longer playing effectively in the national team, from the 2022 World Cup until now, Bruno has emerged as the character who ‘carries the team’.