In the final World Cup Qualifier, Portugal defeated Armenia 9-1 comprehensively. Cristiano Ronaldo missed the match due to suspension.
Bruno Fernandes said: "I have no hesitation in talking about this topic. I know the outside view — that we obviously play more fluidly and the players are more free without Ronaldo. If that's really the case, the rest of us players should instead take some responsibility. We must never hold back just because Ronaldo is on the pitch.
He can provide unique value in the penalty area, and as a top player, he can attract defenses to create space for teammates. Gonçalo Ramos is good at pressing and has excellent diagonal runs; when Bernardo Silva plays as the No. 10 and I'm absent, he's better at retaining possession, while I tend to deliver killer passes. Every player has unique value, and Ronaldo is no different from us. The key is how to coordinate and cooperate so that everyone's strengths can enhance the national team's overall strength."
