Seleção regular never played for Benfica, grew up admiring Rui Costa | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes analyzed the Portugal's 9-1 victory over Armenia, in the decisive qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester United midfielder scored three goals and ended up praising Rui Costa, saying he grew up admiring the now President of Benfica.

"We always want to win and be convincing. It's not always possible, but today we were effective. The victory was important and we are in the World Cup. The goal we conceded doesn't tarnish it, it's part of improving. It's not just because of defeats that we need to improve. We need to improve more with the ball than without it, we need to react faster when we lose the ball and be more objective in the final third. Improving these aspects, nothing goes unnoticed for us", he said in the flash interview.

The Portuguese international spoke about his references: "It's always good to score goals and help the team win. I grew up admiring Rui Costa and Deco and watching them play. Great players who made history for the country. I'm just another one in a group that wants to help Portugal be in the World Cup".

Bruno Fernandes mentioned that the team was only focused on the game against Armenia: "There were no orders not to talk about the World Cup, but we had to win the games. There was this dynamic, the qualification is for the World Cup, that was the focus. The important thing is to win every game", he concluded.

After 1966, 1986, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, Portugal will participate for the ninth time in a World Cup, and the seventh consecutive time, with the best performance dating back to their first appearance, in England, when they finished in third place.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.