Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes captained Portugal as they drew 0-0 away to Mexico in an international friendly
Bruno Fernandes during Mexico vs Portugal in March 2026
Bruno Fernandes captained Portugal against Mexico(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Portugal flattered to deceive in their latest international match, with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes unable to inspire a victory over Mexico. The Selecao were held to a goalless draw at Estadio Azteca in the first of two March friendlies as manager Roberto Martinez ran the rule over his players.
Martinez was without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo in Mexico City but the absence of the veteran didn't stop Portugal putting nine past Armenia in their final qualifying game in November. There was plenty of attacking talent on show, with Fernandes joined by Francisco Conceicao and Joao Felix in a three behind central striker Goncalo Ramos before Goncalo Guedes and Pedro Neto each got a second half run-out, only for the game to end scoreless.
Fernandes, who has more caps and goals than any other player in the March squad, huffed and puffed without being able to help his team break the deadlock. Here's what the Portuguese media said after the game.
Record
While the match might not have been the most eventful, Record recognised Fernandes was at the heart of one of the most dangerous moments of the match. "The best chance came in the 27th minute when Goncalo Ramos hit the post after a great assist from Bruno Fernandes," they wrote.
There was also some cause for concern, with Fernandes and his team-mates unable to break down the opposition. "It's true that Mexico dropped deeper, Portugal had more possession, but without much practical effect," the Record write-up continued.
Portugal can expect to have more of the ball than their World Cup group stage opponents, having been drawn against Uzbekistan, Colombia and the winner of the play-off between Jamaica and Democratic Republic of the Congo. Another friendly against the United States - who conceded five against Belgium last time out - should give Portugal a chance to remind manager Martinez what's possible.
O Jogo
Roberto Martinez during Mexico vs Portugal
Roberto Martinez was without a number of senior players against Mexico(Image: Alex Cruz/EPA/Shutterstock)
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O Jogo also recognised there wasn't a lot to say about the game itself. However, the publication carried quotes from Roberto Martinez about the absence of midfield linchpin Vitinha.
"Vitinha is an excellent player. He knows how to control the ball, defend the game with the ball, and take the game where we need it to go," the manager said. "And today we wanted to see if we could see Portugal controlling the game without Vitinha. And I was very pleased. But yes, it's true that he's a key player for us."
The publication also said it was "noteworthy" that Fernandes captained his country from the start in the absence of Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva. It was his first time starting as captain on cap number 86, despite him regularly wearing the armband at club level.
FIFA.com
FIFA's Portuguese-language site made reference to the chance Fernandes laid on for Ramos. "The best opportunity of the first half came from his feet," the report read.
Mexico-based forward Paulinho made his first senior Portugal appearance for more than five years, drawing a notable reaction from the crowd at the Azteca. However, the lack of control and penetration may have concerned Fernandes and his colleagues.
"Not even the boom from Paulinho's return was able to get the national team to break the deadlock, and both teams went home with a feeling of frustration at the result," FIFA's write-up continued. "Portugal and Mexico return to the field next Tuesday (31) to face the United States and Belgium, respectively."
Jornal de Noticias
Another publication, Jornal de Noticias, also recognised it was a game of few chances. They too acknowledged Fernandes' first-half contribution but placed it in the context of a dour encounter.
"In the reopening of the legendary Azteca Stadium, only one real chance was recorded in the first 45 minutes, when Bruno Fernandes made a first-time pass to Gonçalo Ramos, whose shot was stopped by the post," their report read. "At a slow pace, the Portuguese side managed to dominate possession, but without creating any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.
"The second half was no different. Coach Roberto Martínez made seven substitutions at halftime to refresh the Portuguese team's ideas, but the Portuguese continued to struggle to find the back of the Mexican net. "