5 goal contributions, 8 chances created: Bruno Fernandes destroys opponent in clutch performance for country
Are Portugal better of without Cristiano Ronaldo?
Portugal secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion, dismantling Armenia with a stunning 9-1 victory in their final Group F qualifier.
The match was a spectacular display of attacking football from the Portuguese side , who bounced back from a prior defeat to leave no doubt about their superiority, clinching top spot in the group.
Bruno Fernandes shines in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence as Portugal win 9-1
In the absence of the suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes stepped up to deliver a captain’s performance, netting a brilliant hat-trick to lead his nation to a resounding win.
The midfielder was the chief architect of Portugal’s relentless attack, contributing directly to half of the team’s goals and orchestrating many others. Fernandes opened his account from the penalty spot just before halftime, before adding two more goals in the second half, completing his first international hat-trick.
He wasn’t the only standout performer, however, as young midfielder João Neves also grabbed a hat-trick, marking his first goals for the national team.
While Armenia briefly levelled the score at 1-1 early on, goals from Goncalo Ramos, Renato Veiga, and a late strike from Francisco Conceicao compounded the scoreline in a dominant display that assures Portugal’s participation in a seventh successive World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes’ performance by numbers: Masterclass in midfield
Statistically, Fernandes’ display was a true midfield masterclass, earning him the Player of the Match award.
His eight chances created were the highest on the pitch, demonstrating his elite playmaking ability.
Combined with a perfect take-on record and 13 touches in the opposition box, Fernandes was Portugal’s most potent offensive force, mixing clinical finishing with his trademark creative output to ensure a comfortable and comprehensive World Cup qualification.