Portugal’s stunning 9-1 demolition of Armenia secured their 2026 World Cup spot, with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves both scoring hat-tricks in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence. But the Manchester United captain had a clear message for those questioning whether Portugal play better without their legendary striker.
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The Match That Sparked Debate
Ronaldo received his first red card in 226 Portugal appearances after elbowing Ireland’s Dara O’Shea, leading to suspension for the crucial Armenia qualifier. What followed was a masterclass performance that left fans wondering about the team’s dynamics.
Bruno Fernandes Match Overview: A Night to Remember
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Portugal 9-1 Armenia |
| Hat-trick Heroes | Bruno Fernandes & Joao Neves |
| Qualification Status | Secured 2026 World Cup spot |
| Group F Standing | 1st place with 13 points |
| Match Dominance | 34 shots vs 4, 15 on target vs 2 |
| Fernandes Rating | Perfect 10/10 (via Sofascore) |
For comprehensive World Cup qualification rules and standings, visit FIFA’s official website.
What Bruno Fernandes Actually Said
When asked whether Portugal perform better without Ronaldo, Fernandes firmly stated that Ronaldo scored many goals during the qualifying campaign and brings unique qualities to the team, emphasizing that each player contributes differently and the game should be viewed holistically rather than individually.
His diplomatic response highlighted the collective strength of the squad. Fernandes delivered eight key passes alongside his three goals, earning a perfect rating – proving Portugal’s depth goes beyond one player.
Coach Martinez Weighs In
Roberto Martinez was direct when asked if Portugal is better without Ronaldo, stating they are stronger with Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes, and Pedro Neto available. The Spanish coach emphasized that success comes from squad depth and tactical flexibility, not from excluding star players.
Interested in Portugal’s football journey? Check out UEFA’s official Euro 2024 coverage for more insights into European football’s elite teams.
The Real Story Behind the Win
This victory marked Fernandes’ first international hat-trick, while Neves scored his inaugural goals for Portugal. The performance showcased Portugal’s tactical flexibility and emerging talent – a positive sign heading into the World Cup.
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Looking Ahead to 2026
At 41 years old during the tournament, Ronaldo is expected to make his record sixth World Cup appearance. However, his red card suspension may impact Portugal’s opening matches, giving younger stars another opportunity to shine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did Bruno Fernandes say Portugal plays better without Ronaldo?
No. Fernandes diplomatically stated that Ronaldo brings unique qualities that other players don’t possess, and emphasized viewing the team holistically rather than focusing on individual absences. He acknowledged each player’s different contributions to the squad.
Q: How many goals did Portugal score against Armenia in the World Cup qualifier?
Portugal demolished Armenia 9-1, with hat-tricks from both Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves. Additional goals came from Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceicao, marking Portugal’s largest World Cup qualifying victory.
