Bruno Fernandes started for Portugal as they recorded their first win at the World Cup with a 5-0 win against Uzbekistan.
There has been a lot said and written about Portugal since the beginning of their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
Thierry Henry figured Cristiano Ronaldo hindered Bruno Fernandes in the opening match, with criticisms levelled at Roberto Martinez, such as not having the bottle to drop the 41-year-old forward.
Tonight, Portugal put their disappointing opening match behind them with a convincing 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
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Bruno Fernandes records first assist at 2026 World Cup
Portugal started the game as if they meant business, with Ronaldo scoring in the sixth minute.
United full-back Diogo Dalot was among the celebrations as the substitute got in on the action.
As clear favourites going into the game, it came as no surprise to see Portugal steamroll Uzbekistan, with the scoreline 3-0 at half-time.
Fernandes recorded his first assist at this year’s World Cup with a wonderfully weighted pass to assist Ronaldo as he completed his brace, surpassing Eusebio’s record (9) by scoring more goals in the tournament than any player in Portugal’s history.
It was a stunning goal that proves the veteran striker still knows where the back of the net is, albeit against a significantly inferior opponent (ranked 50th in the world).
For Fernandes, it will go down as his 25th assist for Portugal. He was unlucky not to get credit for another in the 60th minute when Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov turned the ball into his own goal. The United captain’s corner kick caused havoc at the near post before the ball crossed the line.
Throughout the game, Fernandes touched the ball 94 times, helping Portugal put pressure on Uzbekistan’s defence.
He had an 85% pass success rate and managed one shot on target.
Portugal went on to score another goal – through United-linked Rafael Leao. They will face Colombia in their final group match, with Martinez’s side on course for the knockout phase of the tournament.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Bruno Fernandes records an assist as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace
- Diogo Dalot didn’t come off the bench
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s record vs Eusebio requires context
Long before Ronaldo, Portugal produced a player known as Eusebio, who is universally regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all-time.
Eusebio had his battles against Manchester United, including the 1968 European Cup final, which resulted in Sir Matt Busby’s side beating Benfica 4-1 – 10 years on from the Munich Air Disaster.
However, Eusebio previously held the record for scoring the most goals at a World Cup for Portugal. That record is now held by Ronaldo, with 10, having played in six World Cup tournaments.
For context, Eusebio only played at one World Cup, in 1966, when he scored nine goals as Portugal reached the semi-finals.
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