86 touches, 5 shots, 4 key passes: This Man Utd star was excellent for his country

Last night, Manchester United forward Bruno Fernandes shone for Portugal in their World Cup play-off final against North Macedonia.

The 2016 European champions were heavy favorites to win, but they had to dig deep as Blagoja Milevski’s team displayed strong defensive determination.

Portugal took advantage of two critical counter-attacking opportunities. Pepe’s outstanding tackle in his own half resulted in the opening goal. In the 32nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo squared the ball for Fernandes to tap home.

Bruno Fernandes assists Portugal in securing a World Cup place in Qatar.
Joseph Chime by Joseph Chime March 30, 2022 Reading Time: 1 min read
86 touches, 5 shots, 4 key passes: This Man Utd star was excellent for his country

Last night, Manchester United forward Bruno Fernandes shone for Portugal in their World Cup play-off final against North Macedonia.

The 2016 European champions were heavy favorites to win, but they had to dig deep as Blagoja Milevski’s team displayed strong defensive determination.

Portugal took advantage of two critical counter-attacking opportunities. Pepe’s outstanding tackle in his own half resulted in the opening goal. In the 32nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo squared the ball for Fernandes to tap home.

Fernando Santos’ men increased their lead to 2-0 shortly after the hour mark. Fernandes scored a Diogo Jota cross into the box into the back of the net with a wonderful side-foot half-volley.

Portugal’s 2-0 victory clinched their place in the World Cup finals in Qatar this winter. Fernandes was unquestionably the star of the show, scoring his seventh and eighth international goals.

The 27-year-old finished the game with five shots, three of which were on goal. He had 86 touches and four important opportunities. The performance should put him in excellent stead for the remainder of the Red Devils’ season.