Bruno Fernandes is aiming to extend his spectacular form at this winter’s World Cup later this evening as his Portugal take on Switzerland in a huge round-of-16 clash.
The 26-year-old has been one of the most impressive players at the tournament so far, with statistical website WhoScored naming him the player of the group stage.
Fernandes has been named in the starting line-up alongside Manchester United team-mate Diogo Dalot, who makes his second start of the tournament.
Dalot started their narrow 2-1 defeat to South Korea last week and assisted Portugal’s only goal in that game, earning him another appearance.
📰 𝔹ℝ𝔼𝔸𝕂𝕀ℕ𝔾 ℕ𝔼𝕎𝕊: Este é o nosso 11 Inicial para hoje! 👥🇵🇹 #VesteABandeira
This is our Starting 11 for today! 👥 #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/OiKlJU44O1
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) December 6, 2022
Courtesy of Portugal
In the other game on Portugal’s side of the bracket, Morocco surprisingly eliminated Spain in the round of 16 and are now awaiting the result of tonight’s game to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final.
Fernandes could further cement his position as one of the outstanding World Cup performers, with the former Sporting captain currently sitting on two goals and two assists in just two appearances.
In other news, former United forward Cristiano Ronaldo will not be starting Portugal’s crunch game after the 37-year-old reacted poorly to being substituted in the loss to South Korea.
Ronaldo had started all three of Portugal’s games prior to tonight’s game but will have to settle for a place on the bench initially. Thus far, he has failed to score in a knockout game at any of the previous four World Cups he has been involved in.
