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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was at it again, this time as Portugal beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their first match at Euro 2024 at the Red Bull Arena.
The Czech Republic spilled the first blood just after the hour through Lukas Provod, who struck with a thunderbolt from just outside the penalty area.
Portugal restored parity seven minutes later after capitalizing on a big mistake in the Czech back line, which saw Robin Hranac put the ball into the back of his own net. The game looked destined to end in a draw until substitute Francisco Conceicao stepped up to grab the winner from close range.
Fernandes started in his preferred advanced role in the middle of the park alongside Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinho.
Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo occupied the positions of full-backs, which made them constantly venture into the middle to help offensively and build up.
Fernandes had 112 touches of the ball to his name.
He attempted 89 passes and pulled off 76, achieving a passing accuracy of 85%. The playmaker’s two passes were key passes.
The 29-year-old tried to find his target with eight crosses and four long balls. He successfully connected with three long balls, but none of his crosses reached his Selecao teammates.
Fernandes created a great chance for Cristiano Ronaldo, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was thwarted by Jindrich Stanek, who rushed out of his goal, became big and prevented the attacker.
The United captain saw two of his shots on goal blocked by the Czech Republic. He was the best in two of the six ground duels he won and two of the four air challenges he participated in.
Fernandes made one tackle and as many tackles.
(Statistics obtained from Sofascore)
It was another impressive and comprehensive display from him. He will no doubt be looking to build on that as Roberto Martinez’s men prepare to take on Turkey next Saturday.
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