Bruno Fernandes masterclass inspires Portugal to a 2-0 victory over United States in Atlanta

Portugal wrapped up their two friendlies against the 2026 World Cup hosts with a 2-0 win against the United States in Atlanta.

Roberto Martínez’s side got off to a shaky start at MetLife Stadium where loose passes from Gonçalo Inácio presented the hosts with two chances. Malik Tillman’s deflected shot was no trouble for José Sá before Vitinha blocked Christian Pulisic’s effort.

The Seleção’s susceptibility to deep set pieces continued from Sebastian Berhalter’s corner, Weston McKennie left wide open at the back post where he headed wide.

Inácio redeemed himself when he won the ball which allowed Vitinha to release Bruno Fernandes , the playmaker forcing a save from Matt Freese.

Portugal enjoyed a spell of pressure but the United States continued to make inroads out wide, Timothy Weah’s cross eventually falling for Berhalter who forced a save from Sá.

Pulisic fired a low drive wide but it would be the visitors who would take the lead in the 37th minute. Another perfect pass from Vitinha found Fernandes who produced a clever backheel to Trincão, the winger taking a touch and steering the ball into the bottom corner.

The United States finished the first half strong, Antonee Robinson and Tillman missing the target before Pulisic broke free. Pulisic created another dangerous moment when he got into the box but lost the ball and was booked after kicking out at Samuel Costa.

Roberto Martínez continued the trend of making seven half-time substitutions with Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, João Cancelo, Samuel Costa, Vitinha , Francisco Trincão and Pedro Neto maing way for Matheus Nunes, António Silva, Nuno Mendes, Ricardo Horta, Ruben Neves, Francisco Conceição and João Félix .

Fernandes dropped into a deeper position with Félix playing behind Gonçalo Ramos and Ricardo Horta stationed on the left-wing.

The second half started with Sá giving away another cheap ball in a dangerous position that went unpunished. Portugal didn't take long to get on top with Gonçalo Ramos firing wide.

The Seleção doubled their advantage in the 59th minute. Fernandes’ corner picked out an unmarked Félix on the edge of the box, the substitute left with time and space to fire a volley in off the post.

Paulinho replaced Gonçalo Ramos before Ruben Neves tested Freese from distance. Renato Veiga replaced Gonçalo Inácio and Bruno Fernandes made way for Mateus Fernandes who made his senior debut.

Sá was not being threatened as Portugal cruised to victory. Paulinho presented Conceição with the final opportunity in added time, Freese tipping the ball wide.

Portugal dodged plenty of self-inflicted bullets early on but their class eventually shone through. Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes were on another level and João Félix punished the hosts with the second goal.

Roberto Martínez was pleased with the two matches against World Cup opposition: “I think the training camp had many objectives and I was very satisfied with all of them.

“Normally, training camps are about winning. The final score is the only important aspect. In this training camp, it wasn't like that. It was a training camp to look for new solutions, to experiment with tactical concepts.

“Not only in the two games, but also with the work in training. It was very important and I'm very happy that all the players had the opportunity.”

The manager would have been pleased with the performances of Tomás Araújo and Samuel Costa who took big steps towards earning a spot in the World Cup squad.

Araújo talked about his chances after the game: "I think I did my job, and I did it well. Now all I have to do is wait for the coach's decision, and I will do so with a clear conscience."

The Seleção will be back in action on home soil in June. Portugal will take on Chile with another opponent to be announced in the coming weeks.

Martínez is likely to have some selection headaches with Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, Nélson Semedo, João Palhinha, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão and Cristiano Ronaldo hoping to earn a ticket to the big dance.

Portugal (4-2-3-1): José Sá (Ricardo Velho 85’); Diogo Dalot (Matheus Nunes 46’), Tomás Araújo (António Silva 46’), Gonçalo Inácio (Renato Veiga 70’), João Cancelo (Nuno Mendes 46’); Samuel Costa (Ricardo Horta 46’), Vitinha (Ruben Neves 46’); Francisco Trincão (Francisco Conceição 46’), Bruno Fernandes (Mateus Fernandes 85’), Pedro Neto (João Félix 46’); Gonçalo Ramos (Paulinho 61’)