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Portugal scraped by means of their Euro 2024 spherical of 16 conflict with Slovenia on Monday evening, profitable 3-0 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
Whereas Portugal loved 72% possession and took 20 photographs, they had been largely ineffective within the closing third, creating just one main probability all through the encounter.
For Bruno Fernandes, it was largely an evening to overlook. Taking 120 touches, the Manchester United skipper was probably the most pivotal gamers in Portugal’s lineup all through the 120-minute encounter.
Finishing 65 of 85 passes for a 76% passing accuracy, Fernandes’ passing was wanting its traditional requirements and he solely managed to finish 5 of 13 crosses.
On the intense aspect, he was extremely concerned in creating attacking alternatives for his workforce, producing 4 key passes and finishing eight of 14 lengthy balls.
Fernandes had little involvement within the attacking sense, making no photographs on the right track and solely making an attempt a single dribble all night. He misplaced possession on a horrifying 40 events.
When it comes to physicality, the Portuguese playmaker struggled in opposition to a dominant Slovenian aspect. He solely gained 4 of his 13 floor duels whereas dropping each aerial battles.
Nonetheless, a resilient Fernandes exhibited a really excessive work fee, not solely in possession but additionally monitoring again to assist his defence.
Fernandes made three tackles, which was not a simple feat in opposition to a tough Slovenian aspect. He additionally made a clearance and one profitable interception.
Regardless of a combined efficiency in the course of the match, Fernandes proved his value by stepping up when his nation wanted him most.
After Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty throughout additional time was saved by Jan Oblak, Fernandes couldn’t have been blamed for feeling apprehensive about stepping up when the time got here to take Portugal’s second penalty within the ensuing penalty shootout.
Nonetheless, the Man United playmaker maintained his cool, taking a brisk run-up and slotting the ball into the underside left nook, sending the keeper the fallacious means and placing Portugal 2-0 up.
Whereas many sides of Fernandes’ play had been less than their traditional commonplace, he little doubt performed his position in incomes Portugal’s victory and aiding his aspect once they wanted him probably the most.
(Stats through Sofascore)
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