Bruno Fernandes was at his best for Portugal on Thursday night against Sweden, but Roberto Martinez decided to rest fellow Manchester United star Diogo Dalot.
Portugal dismantled Sweden 5-2 in a friendly ahead of this summer’s European Championship. Fernandes registered a goal and assist to take his tally of goal contributions to 22 in his previous 16 appearances for his country.
And @ManUtd's Bruno Fernandes gets in on the act with a goal of his own 🔥
Portugal are running riot against Sweden 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/MKZSEjaGa8
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 21, 2024
Footage courtesy of Viaplay
Critics have given Fernandes a hard time this season, but nobody can complain about those numbers on the international stage. We know he is trying to replicate those levels for United, but it’s important to remember that the Premier League is played at a much higher level.
Rafael Leao, Matheus Nunes and Fernandes all struck for the hosts in the first-half. Bruma and Goncalo Ramos added to Portugal’s lead after the break, while Sweden netted at the other end thanks to Viktor Gyokeres and Gustaf Nilsson.
It was a night to forget for Victor Lindelof as Sweden conceded five goals, but he has had to deal with plenty of disappointment lately with his country missing out on a place at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Portugal, who won all 10 of their qualifying matches for the European Championships, face Slovenia in another friendly on Tuesday.
We can expect Dalot to start against Slovenia, although we hope Martinez decides to rest Fernandes after he played against Sweden.
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