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

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes praised Gonçalo Guedes for his decisive contribution after coming off the bench in Portugal’s 2‑1 win over Chile.

The Iberian side met Chile in a pre‑World Cup friendly at the Estadio Nacional as part of a two‑match warm‑up schedule ahead of the summer tournament.

Portugal dominated possession in the first half against the Chilean side, which will not take part in the World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates started strongly but failed to convert the chances they created.

During stoppage time in the first half, Rafael Leão and Chilean Ivan Roman were sent off after an altercation near the corner flag. At the start of the second half, Roberto Martínez made several substitutions to give his squad valuable playing time.

Ronaldo was among those replaced, with Gonçalo Guedes coming on. The forward made an immediate impact, scoring Portugal’s opening goal. Ruben Neves, who also entered at half‑time, delivered a perfect through ball to Guedes, who tapped it in. Fernandes, who captained the second‑half side after Ronaldo’s exit, added a second goal. Chile’s Lucas Cepeda scored a consolation goal in stoppage time.

After the match, Fernandes offered a detailed analysis of the game and the potential role Guedes could play for Portugal during the World Cup.

Speaking to Al Nassr Zone on X, he said, “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 Gonçalo 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 face Nigeria in their final pre‑World Cup friendly before heading to America.