Portugal secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding victory over Armenia, a match that notably took place without the presence of their legendary captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was serving a suspension. In Ronaldo’s absence, Bruno Fernandes stepped up as the driving force behind Portugal’s dominant performance, leading the team with confidence and precision throughout the game.
Fernandes Leads Portugal in Ronaldo’s Absence
The match provided Fernandes with the perfect opportunity to reaffirm his leadership after missing Portugal’s previous encounter due to accumulated yellow cards. With Ronaldo unavailable, Fernandes took on a larger role, orchestrating attacks and contributing decisively to the scoreline.
His standout performance included scoring three crucial goals, with two coming from penalties and one from open play, underscoring his ability to lead the team effectively in high-pressure situations. The match demonstrated that Portugal can rely on Fernandes as a leader even when their all-time top scorer is sidelined.
This situation also sparked discussions about Ronaldo’s influence on the team and how Portugal adapts when missing their historic goal-scorer. Fernandes himself addressed these questions after the game.
The Ronaldo Suspension and Its Implications
Ronaldo’s absence in the Armenia fixture was due to a red card he received in the previous match against Ireland, following an altercation with Dara O’Shea. The VAR review confirmed the decision, resulting in a one-match suspension. However, the incident involving an alleged elbow could prompt disciplinary authorities to consider extending his ban. Reports indicate that the Portuguese Football Federation is preparing an appeal to potentially reduce the suspension period.
In this context, Fernandes’ performance provided reassurance to both the coaching staff and the squad. The midfielder emphasized that his focus was solely on helping Portugal remain consistent and competitive as they close out the World Cup qualifiers. Portugal’s emphatic win over Armenia also highlighted the depth and versatility of their squad, showing that the team can perform at a high level even without their superstar.
Fernandes’ Message on Ronaldo’s Role
Following the match, Fernandes was asked whether Portugal operates differently without Ronaldo on the pitch. He acknowledged the striker’s immense contribution during the qualifiers, stating:
“Ronaldo has scored so many important goals for us during this qualification run. His presence is always a huge asset.”
However, Fernandes also emphasized that every player brings unique qualities to the team:
“Every player contributes differently. While others can step up, you cannot entirely replace what Ronaldo provides. We all have our roles, and it’s about giving your best for the team.”
Coach Roberto Martinez Weighs In
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez also shared his perspective, underlining the importance of squad readiness for any scenario.
“No, we are better with Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes, and Pedro Neto,” Martinez said, highlighting that the team’s strength lies not only in individual stars but in being prepared to adapt to different situations.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
Despite Ronaldo’s current suspension, Portugal hopes to have their captain available for the group stage of the World Cup, where his presence is expected to provide an additional dimension to their attack. Meanwhile, Fernandes’ leadership in recent matches proves that Portugal has the talent and resilience to perform under pressure, even without their all-time top scorer.
As the team prepares for the global stage, Fernandes’ confident display sends a clear message: Portugal is capable, balanced, and ready to compete, whether Ronaldo is on the field or not.
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