Ex-Sporting star hits hat-trick for Portugal, says he’s done better | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes was one of the protagonists in the thrashing that secured Portugal's spot in the 2026 World Cup. With three goals scored at Estádio do Dragão against Armenia (9-1), the former Sporting player did not hide his satisfaction with the decisive contribution to the qualification, but emphasized that there have been matches where he performed at a better level.

"We always want to win every game in the same way, but it's not always possible. Today we were effective and achieved a victory, and we're going to the World Cup '26", he stated in an interview with Sport TV. The Portuguese international also said that the focus remains on constant improvement.

"Improvement is part of it, it's not just in defeats that we have things to improve. We need to improve more with the ball than without it, react faster, there's room for improvement and today nothing goes unnoticed by us. It's good to have the opportunity to score goals and help win. I'm just another one helping to keep doing better", he added.

Bruno Fernandes downplayed his performance: "I think I've done better and much more complete games than this one. The difference is that in this one I scored and in the others I didn't. I know I can contribute goals and assists, but my role now is to help the striker and less in game construction. Sacrifice in the number 10 position and leave João Neves and Vitinha in the construction because those are their qualities", he explained in statements to RTP.

The midfielder also addressed the easy criticism and pressure associated with results. "We are only missed when we're not there, and Bruno Fernandes wasn't there against Ireland, but if he were, he would just be another one criticized", stated the Manchester United player.

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