Bruno Fernandes: 'Very well organised' Ireland will provide test for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo, and potentially 41-year-old Pepe, could start against Ireland.

Mon, 10 Jun, 2024 - 20:14

John Fallon

Negativity seeping in about Portugal’s Euros prospects is precisely the development which Bruno Fernandes welcomes.

After following up a perfect eight wins in 2023 with another victory over Sweden in March, the Portuguese have slipped to two defeats in their last three, against Slovenia and Croatia.

Even last week’s 4-2 win over Finland was criticised for making hard work in seeing off one of Europe’s middle-ranking countries.

Ireland, at 60 in Fifa’s standings, fall into that category and any struggles in Aveiro in Tuesday’s farewell friendly threaten to darken the mood before they travel to Germany next week.

“I like this negativity of thinking that the national team is not that good,” said Manchester United midfielder Fernandes, one of several English Premier League stars expected to start.

“It's a sign that people expect a lot from the national team; also we have the quality to do more.

“We are aware of that and know, in this game against Ireland, there is the opportunity to rectify it."

Fernandes had to field questions at the pre-match conference about the wisdom of selecting teams such as Ireland for tests when only the likes of Croatia provide the real insight. The 2016 champions face the Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia in Group F.

"Finland had a low block, Croatia were a possession team with quality in one-on-one situations and now we have a physically strong Ireland team, dangerous from set-pieces and very well organised in defense.

“These are aspects that these teams can have in their own way.

“There is no better preparation than preparing for all these adversities. Croatia took a lot of risks against us and we could have taken better advantage by causing more damage.

“Yes, it was our second defeat, but nothing changes what we expect for the European Championship.

“We didn't want to lose because we never want to. We are at the level of the best and we want to compete with the best.

“England is supposed to be the strongest team at the Euros and still lost to Iceland last week. We will be ready for the Euros – but first Ireland.”

While the first friendlies in Portugal’s treble-header were used to afford minutes and experiments, closer to the first-choice XI is anticipated for the Ireland clash.

That means captain Cristiano Ronaldo, and potentially 41-year-old Pepe, being thrust into the team.

"It is important to attack and defend with 11,” said Portugal boss Roberto Martinez about his approach.

“Ronaldo has brilliant experience. There is no other player who has played five European games, this is his sixth.

“He knows how to use space in the area, he is a finisher, a special player, focus, reaction to the loss they were perfect in the last games he played with us.

“Tomorrow we have Rúben (Dias), Pepe as well as Cristiano and he is perfect to give minutes to.

“Ronaldo had 51 games in the season without any problems. The data at club level is not the same as for the Seleção but he showed that he can play every four days. There will be no problem."