The Portuguese media have given their verdict on two Manchester United players starring in Portugal’s win over Croatia.
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot combined for devastating effect to open the scoring in their UEFA Nations League clash.
Fernandes’ wait for a first goal of the 2024/25 season continues, but his creative instincts are still intact, with Dalot capitalising on a perfectly timed pass.
Dalot’s night was almost ruined by an unlucky own goal – but only after Cristiano Ronaldo had scored his 900th career strike, ensuring Portugal won the game 2-1.
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Portuguese press react to victory
The performances of Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were praised as a refreshed Portugal got back to winning ways after grinding to a halt against France at the Euros.
Mais Futebol reported: “In Germany, there was no shortage of desire, but what was certainly missing was the energy that was seen at the Estádio da Luz on Thursday.
“In the running of Nuno Mendes on the left, in the physical availability of Diogo Dalot, in Bruno Fernandes’ ability to once again lead a team by example and even in Cristiano Ronaldo’s greater ability to form associations.”
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic admitted the Manchester United pair played a key role in his side’s defeat.
He told O Jogo: “We didn’t play as well as we wanted. We didn’t cover well when Diogo Dalot went inside, and Bruno Fernandes either. We played much better during the second half, we made some adjustments. The Portuguese team is very fast and dangerous, so it’s normal to have situations like that.”
Individual player ratings for Dalot and Fernandes
Portuguese outlet Zero Zero gave their player ratings for the Manchester United duo in the hard-fought win.
Dalot was awarded a 7/10, with their assessment noting: “Diogo Dalot was one of the best on the pitch and he did so in two different roles.
“In the first half, when Pedro Neto took the wing, he played very much inside and it was in the central corridor that he appeared to score the 1-0; in the second, he dropped back to central defense and made a series of important tackles.
Fernandes was also given a 7/10, with his work rate praised: “He has a habit of standing out for the national team, but he usually does so due to his offensive imbalance. He once again delivered in this regard, registering a good assist, but it was without the ball that he carried the Portuguese midfield.
“With the more defensive options on the bench, the Manchester United midfielder was the author of most of the tackles and interceptions in the middle of the field. “
A Bola also gave Dalot a 7/10 mark, noting: “He was unlucky close to half-time when he deflected a cross from Sosa into his own goal, but he didn’t let it affect him. He made a crucial clearance in the 67th minute.”
The same outlet also gave Fernandes a solid 7/10, adding: “A master of timing and rhythm, he controlled Portugal’s attacking play with mastery when necessary and never held back from compensating his teammates in defensive moments.”
Portugal next face Scotland on September 8 at 7.45pm, with both Dalot and Fernandes expected to be involved, before returning to Manchester United to prepare for the club’s next fixture away to Southampton.
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