Bruno Fernandes was the man of the match in Portugal's victory over the USA
Bruno Fernandes #8 of Portugal walks for a corner kick during the first half in a game between United States and Portugal
Bruno Fernandes was the star man for Portugal(Image: Getty Images)
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Portugal claimed victory in their final fixture of the international break as they secured a 2-0 triumph over the United States. Following their 0-0 draw with Mexico the previous week, Roberto Martinez's side - captained once more by Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes - were without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva again.
Despite missing the influential duo, there was no lack of quality throughout the side for Portugal who made 11 alterations during the contest. As the most senior player currently with the squad, Fernandes shouldered that responsibility as his two assists for scorers Francisco Trincao and Joao Felix guided his team to victory.
Portugal are due back in action on June 17 when they face DR Congo in their opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though they'll probably arrange warm-up matches beforehand. Here's what the Portuguese media made of their midweek success.
Record
Hailed as a "maestro" by Record, the publication heaped praise on Fernandes' influence in the final third and his remarkable capacity to inspire his teammates during difficult spells. They wrote: "Two assists and even more brilliance, once again. The captain was once again a beacon in the offensive transition, orchestrating the goals.
"He galvanised his teammates in a sleepy first half and received enthusiasm from the substitutes in the second half. Furthermore, he had two shots on goal and contributed with a clearance, a blocked shot, and two ball recoveries. He was one of the few insatiable players in the friendlies against Mexico and the United States. He has the spirit of an idol and a captain."
A Bola
Gonçalo Ramos #9 of Portugal, Bruno Fernandes #8 of Portugal and Francisco Trincão #16 of Portugal during the first half in a game between United States and Portugal
Bruno Fernandes ran the show against the United States(Image: Getty Images)
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A Bola handed Fernandes the man of the match accolade, awarding him a score of seven out of ten. Commending his tireless display that enabled his quality to lift those around him, the seasoned international was dubbed the "adult" of the national squad.
They analysed: "He made his mark in the 8th minute, when he shot into the US penalty area and almost put Portugal ahead. It was the trigger for a great performance. Good run-up, a good backheel pass, a beautiful assist for Trincao's goal in the 36th minute.
"In the 59th minute, a champion's corner kick, a perfect ball for Joao Felix, who was outside the area, and the rest is history for the Al Nassr star. Bruno is the adult in the room of this National Team. Bruno Fernandes plays and makes others play, uniting what is loose and bringing brilliance to the dullness; well supported by Vitinha, Trincao and Joao Felix."
O Jogo
O Jogo took note of Martinez's post-match comments, in which the Portugal manager praised his side's response in the second half of both international fixtures. However, he stressed that his squad still requires more time to further sharpen their understanding on the pitch.
The Spaniard said: "The second half was better in both games. It seems we need minutes to adjust, connect better, make better decisions. We improved what we created against Mexico, we continue with good concepts. The United States has verticality, the grass helps them, I was very pleased against a non-European opponent."
Jornal de Noticias
In their match report, Jornal de Noticias highlighted Fernandes' moments of genius that paved the way for Trincao's opener. They wrote: "After a serious warning from Pulisic, Vitinha found Bruno Fernandes who, with a backheel, set up Trincao for the 0-1 goal in the 37th minute, a lead that held until halftime."
Much like Martinez, they acknowledged the second-half resurgence that once again saw the Manchester United star deliver when it mattered most for his nation. They added: "In the 59th minute, Bruno Fernandes took a corner kick into the penalty area and Joao Féeix finished with a well-placed shot to extend the lead. Portugal's improvement was evident, and Ruben Neves, from a long distance, forced Freeze into a flying save."