Portugal are off to a successful start at Euro 2024 with two wins from two matches to open their group.
After 10 wins out of 10 during qualifying, Portugal were expected to be a force to be reckoned with during Euro 2024.
Their tournament is off to a successful start, with two wins from two games. The first match was tricky, requiring a late comeback to beat Czech Republic 2-1.
The second game was more straightforward, a 3-0 victory against an error-prone Turkey side.
Roberto Martinez hails Fernandes and Ronaldo
Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to hit it off during their time playing together at Manchester United.
They are having no trouble for Portugal at Euro 2024, linking up effectively for their third goal against Turkey.
Fernandes netted a straightforward goal after an assist from former United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, when the forward had been expected to shoot.
Manager Roberto Martinez was blown away by Ronaldo’s unselfish decision to pass, and called for the goal to be replayed to academies around the world to teach the importance of team success over individual numbers.
It was a striking moment because Ronaldo has often come under criticism, and praise, for a perceived selfish streak which has made him the ruthless goalscorer we know him to be.
Martinez told A Bola: “We saw something extraordinary for me, in front of the goalkeeper it went to Bruno Fernandes.
“It is an example that should be shown in every academy in Portugal and in the world of football, it showed that the team is the most important thing.”
Fernandes agreed, telling O Jogo: “Every player likes to score goals, but it’s not the most important thing and that is reflected in my goal.
“Cristiano is our best scorer, goalscorer, and at the moment of opportunity he gives the ball wide. He shows the meaning that there is for us of winning games and not scoring goals”
- READ MORE: Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football’s most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend
Bruno Fernandes hailed Portugal teammates
Bruno Fernandes believes Ronaldo and Pepe are crucial to his team’s chances of success, as players who have been to the European Championships before and won it, along with a lot more.
Speaking after their opening win over the Czechs, he told Mais Futebol: “We all know that it is important to have experienced players, like Cristiano Ronaldo.
“In fact, Pepe is probably the most experienced in the entire tournament. We know they are vital to us.”
He made a point to also pick out lively substitute duo Francisco Conceicao and Pedro Neto, who helped turn the first game in their favour.
Fernandes explained: “Francisco Conceicao has an energy that captivates, everyone knows about his qualities. But, we cannot forget Pedro Neto, for the move he made.
“We have several players who can be firebrands. We are happy as a group, the whole team jumped off the bench to celebrate the goal.”