Portugal took a big step towards becoming the first team to win the UEFA Nations League twice.
Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal to seal a Portugal comeback in their UEFA Nations League semi-final with Germany.
And despite Ronaldo’s 137th international goal, all eyes were on current Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes, who rejected the chance to join his international teammate in Saudi Arabia this week.
Speaking ahead of the game, Fernandes stated that he could not walk away from football at the top level and wanted to stay committed to Manchester United, turning down interest from Al-Hilal.
Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
How Bruno Fernandes fared against Germany
Bruno Fernandes’ never-ending season continued in Munich in a tough away fixture for Portugal, following United’s postseason tour.
Germany took a first half lead but Portugal came back to win the game 2-1, with Fernandes playing all 90 minutes.
Fernandes created two goalscoring chances, managing 58 touches, while winning seven of eight duels he contested.
The United star fell victim to a crunching tackle from Florian Wirtz, but was able to shake off the impact and continue his game.
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Portuguese outlet ZeroZero gave Nuno Mendes their star man award with an 8/10 rating, while lauding Fernandes 7/10. Two players, Ruben Neves and Francisco Trincao received 4/10 ratings.
A Bola lauded Fernandes, giving him a 8/10, writing: “An incredible fighter and an impressive creator of imbalances, sometimes with just one touch in a one-two that with him in the middle seems simple, as happened with Nuno Mendes in the move that made it 2-1.
“Another great game from the other captain of Portugal,” the outlet added.
Portugal’s fourth ever win over Germany
This was Portugal’s first win over Germany in 25 years. And it was only their fourth ever victory.
The previous wins were in 1983 and 1985, and at Euro 2000, with Sergio Conceicao scoring a hat-trick at the tournament.
25 years on his son Francisco Conceicao scored the equalising goal to cancel out Florian Wirtz’s opener.