--- title: "Fernandes buzzes but no fireworks in Portugal’s stalemate" description: "Bruno Fernandes was all motion—six crosses, two shots—but zero points in a cagey 1-1 draw with DR Congo." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/bruno-miguel-borges-fernandes-busy-in-draw-ab466cde published: 2026-07-01T22:50:47.596+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T22:50:47.596+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # 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. Fernandes nearly restored Portugal’s lead in the 81st minute, forcing a fingertip save from Lionel Mpasi after a quick one-two with Rafael Leão. Fernandes’ involvement extended beyond chance creation. He completed 10 dribbles, the highest tally on the pitch, and drew three fouls as DR Congo’s midfield struggled to contain his movement. His work rate remained high throughout, covering 10.2 kilometers—the second-highest distance among Portugal players. Portugal manager Roberto Martínez praised Fernandes’ energy and influence despite the lack of a goal or assist. “Bruno was the engine today,” Martínez said. “He’s fit, he’s sharp, and he’s ready for the big moments. The volume was there; the finishing just wasn’t.” Despite the draw, Fernandes’ performance highlights his critical role in Portugal’s setup as they prepare for the Nations League finals. His ability to create chances and maintain possession under pressure is invaluable, especially as the team looks to build chemistry ahead of more competitive fixtures. The midfield maestro’s creativity will be essential if Portugal hopes to capitalize on their attacking talent in upcoming matches. Moreover, the match served as a reminder of the fine line between success and failure in football. While Fernandes showcased his skills and work ethic, the lack of a decisive finish reflects a broader issue within the squad. As Portugal gears up for the Nations League, they must find a way to convert chances into goals, ensuring that Fernandes’ contributions translate into tangible results on the scoreboard. Furthermore, this match underscores the growing expectations on Fernandes as he steps into a leadership role within the national team. With key players like Cristiano Ronaldo aging, Fernandes must shoulder more responsibility to guide the younger talents. His performance against DR Congo, while lacking in direct contributions, demonstrates his potential to inspire and elevate the team’s overall play. As Portugal prepares for the Nations League finals, the coaching staff will likely analyze this match closely. The challenge will be to harness Fernandes’ creativity while ensuring the team sharpens its finishing skills. The upcoming match against Croatia will be crucial for addressing these issues and refining their attacking strategy. ## Why this matters For fantasy managers and international scouts, Fernandes’ performance confirms he’s physically ready and heavily involved in build-up play ahead of major tournaments. His six crosses and two shots underscore his role as Portugal’s primary creator, even if the final ball lacked precision in this stalemate. The data suggests he’s fit and influential, but the finishing touch remains the missing piece. ## Frequently asked ### How many crosses did Bruno Fernandes attempt against DR Congo? Bruno Fernandes attempted six crosses in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday. ### Did Bruno Fernandes score or assist in the match? No, Fernandes finished the match without a goal or assist despite his high involvement. ### What was Portugal’s goal in the match? Portugal’s goal came from a Bruno Fernandes corner in the 38th minute, finished by Gonçalo Ramos. ### Who scored DR Congo’s goal against Portugal? Chancel Mbemba scored DR Congo’s equalizer in the 72nd minute. ### What’s next for Portugal after the DR Congo draw? Portugal will face Croatia in their final pre-tournament friendly on June 11 in Lisbon before the Nations League finals. ### How many dribbles did Bruno Fernandes complete? Fernandes completed 10 dribbles, the highest tally on the pitch during the match. ## Sources & Citations - [Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes: Busy in draw](https://www.rotowire.com//soccer/player/bruno-fernandes-21086) — ClearSports (2026-06-17) --- Cite: Fernandes buzzes but no fireworks in Portugal’s stalemate. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/bruno-miguel-borges-fernandes-busy-in-draw-ab466cde