Fernandes buzzes but no fireworks in Portugal’s stalemate
Bruno Fernandes was all motion—six crosses, two shots—but zero points in a cagey 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
Bruno Fernandes was the creative heartbeat of Portugal’s 1-1 friendly draw with DR Congo on Wednesday, firing six crosses into the box and attempting two shots, but the final product never arrived. The Manchester United midfielder dictated play from deep, spraying passes and probing the DR Congo defense with regularity. His crossing accuracy stood out, with four of the six attempts finding a teammate in dangerous positions.
Fernandes also led Portugal’s attacking output, completing 84 percent of his passes and attempting the most shots on target among outfield players. Portugal’s first goal came from a set piece in the 38th minute, when Gonçalo Ramos nodded in a Bruno Fernandes corner. The second-half equalizer for DR Congo arrived in the 72nd minute, a low-drive from Chancel Mbemba that wrong-footed Diogo Costa.
