“Portugal’s Best Player” – Bruno Fernandes Is Showing His Class In The World Cup

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Portugal's Bruno Fernandes celebrates with Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring their second goal.

REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

Bruno Fernandes is shining for Portugal at the grandest stage of all.

Portugal cemented their place on top of Group H and moved on to the round of 16 with a statement 2-0 win over Uruguay.

Fernandes, who was an unused substitute the last time the two sides met in the World Cup, proved a decisive figure in taking revenge on Uruguay for their elimination from the competition in 2018.

After what was a cagey first half, the playmaker broke the deadlock with a curling cross destined for the bottom right corner. Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the goal during the celebration, but it was later awarded to Fernandes.

Late in the game, he ended Uruguay’s hopes of a comeback by doubling Portugal’s lead from the spot. The 28-year-old came very close to scoring his first World Cup hat-trick after his shot hit the post in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Regardless, Fernandes was awarded the Man of the Match award for his performance in Lusail on Monday night.

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The Manchester United star also assisted twice in Portugal’s 3-2 victory against Ghana.

After struggling under Fernando Santos in the previous two major tournaments, Fernandes has now become his side’s most important player with a direct hand in four of Portugal’s five goals in Qatar.