Manchester United’s midfielder was the game-winner after his team struggled mightily.

Bruno Fernandes’s brilliant goal and consistent inspiration helped Portugal secure a crucial away victory that boosted their chances of qualifying for the Euro 2024 tournament. Even though Cristiano Ronaldo had a night of misfires, the Selecao still managed to squeak out a 1-0 victory thanks to his performance.

In the first 10 minutes, Slovakia had some encouraging moments, with two shots on goal. Bruno Fernandes had a good opportunity for Portugal in response, but his shot was weak and easily saved. When he was given a second chance, however, he did not fail. At the deаth of the first half, Portugal took the lead when their Manchester United midfielder dribbled through the Slovakian defense and drove the ball into the bottom corner.

Early in the second half, the home team had a golden opportunity to tie the game when Ivan Schranz broke through on goal but skewed his effort wide of the goal. However, Portugal remained quite at ease for the rest of the game, despite their lackluster goal-scoring performance. Ronaldo missed a few opportunities and maybe got lucky when he didn’t get sent off for a risky slide tackle on Martin Dubravka.

Nonetheless, Portugal was able to stave off Slovakia, who failed to pose many оffensive threats as time ran out. The Selecao will need to improve their play in the future, and their captain in particular, but they will gladly accept a difficult road victory.

Diogo Costa, goalkeeper and defense for Portugal in Tehelne Pole, receives a 7/10 rating from GOAL.

Made only a handful of saves but appeared unfazed. Not the easiest area to maintain a spotless record.

Ivo “Diogo” Dalot:

Strong on defense yet unable to score goals. Has a rocky relationship with Bernardo Silva.

8/10 – Ruben Dias:

He had another dominant defensive performance, continuing his strong start to the season.

So, Antonio Silva, here’s your six out of ten.

It was not a good night for the adolescent, who was harassed relentlessly by the home team. It’s encouraging to see him get some airtime.

6/10 Joao Cancelo:

Experienced some terrific forays forward and made several attempts to ping the ball around. The destructive form that made him such a key player for Man City 18 months ago has yet to return.Midfield

6/10 Joao Pahlinha:

As usual, he dove headfirst into tackles, but he wasn’t always able to timing them. Probably should have been booked thrice.

7/10 – Bernardo Silva:

Aided Fernandes in scoring, but was otherwise underutilized. He and Vitinha’s compatibility in the starting XI is questionable. The PSG man’s elimination helped him tremendously.

8/10 Bruno Fernandes:

Excellently absorbed his goal after missing early opportunities to contribute. He became his team’s most lethal оffensive threаt as the second half progressed. The birthday kid must have been really pleased.Vitinha is under аttаck (5/10):

Constantly alert, but ultimately ineffectual. Certainly deserved the start based on his performance for PSG, but he didn’t do enough to warrant continuing to start.

Ronaldo, Cristiano (5/10):

Certainly not performing up to par. His evasive skills were top-notch, but it wasn’t his night in the net. He was lucky to get away with his challenge on the goalkeeper without getting sent off. He had very high expectations for himself, and he fell short.

7/10 Rafael Leao:

went on some terrific forays forward and was always a threаt with the ball in his possession. A replacement had to be made after only 60 minutes.