Friendly: ‘He brings qualities’ – Bruno Fernandes hails Portugal star after replacing Ronaldo

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has praised Goncalo Guedes for his significant contribution after coming off the bench in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Chile.

Portugal faced Chile in a pre-World Cup friendly match at the Estadio Nacional as they prepared for the upcoming summer tournament. This match was the first of two friendlies scheduled for the Selecao in anticipation of the prestigious event in the football calendar.

The Iberian team controlled possession during the first half against the Chilean side, who will not participate in the summer tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates began the match strongly but failed to take advantage of the opportunities they created in the first half.

During stoppage time in the first half, Rafael Leao and Chilean player Ivan Roman were both sent off following an altercation near the corner flag. At the beginning of the second half, Roberto Martinez opted to implement several substitutions to provide his squad with valuable playing time ahead of the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo was among those substituted; he was replaced by Goncalo Guedes. The Sociedad forward made a crucial impact in the match by scoring the opening goal for Portugal.

Ruben Neves, another player who came on at half-time, delivered a perfect through ball to Guedes, who skillfully tapped it into the net. Bruno Fernandes, who captained the second-half team after Ronaldo’s exit, added a second goal. Chile managed to score a consolation goal through Lucas Cepeda during stoppage time.

After the match, Bruno Fernandes provided an in-depth analysis of the game. He elaborated on the potential contributions Guedes could make to the Portugal squad during the World Cup.

He stated via Al Nassr Zone on X, “I believe the first half was different, with both teams having eleven players. In the second half, with ten players on each side, we needed to exercise more patience.

“We had to elevate the tempo at the appropriate moments and refrain from hurrying things excessively.

“We didn’t have a traditional focal point up front, but we had Goncalo Guedes, who brings different qualities to the team.

“That’s why I think calling him up could be very interesting, whether to play through the middle or out on the wing.”

Portugal will take on Nigeria in their final pre-World Cup friendly before jetting off to America.