"Today we simply had to win; we don't want to respond to anyone"

Bruno Fernandes reflected on Portugal's performance in the first two World Cup matches. Speaking in the mixed zone at NRG Stadium in Houston, one of the national team's leaders highlighted the contrasting emotions after the 1-1 draw against DR Congo and the dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan: "I wouldn't say anger, but certainly some frustration at not getting the result we wanted. We want to win every game, and we didn't achieve that in the first match. Today, however, we were very capable. We are very happy to have won."

The criticism received after the draw against DR Congo did not penetrate the Portuguese locker room: "There will always be external noise, no matter what happens. We can't control much of what comes from outside. We've been saying that we need to control what's happening within our group. Today, we simply had to win; we don't want to respond to anyone. The most important thing for us is to win games. We don't dwell on that."

"The first game didn't go as we wanted and put us in a vulnerable position. Today, we had to respond. We knew we had more than enough ability to win the game, just as we believed we had the ability to win against DR Congo," he emphasized. The upcoming clash against Colombia, in the final group stage match, will be approached with "the same capability and desire to win the game."

The Manchester United midfielder downplayed the fact that he hasn't yet scored in the World Cup: "The important thing is that Portugal scores, regardless of whether it's me or not. Today we managed to score many goals, and I'm happy about that. I'm here to serve my teammates; it's part of my game." The Portuguese Magnifico still hopes to find the back of the net during the tournament: "The moment will come, and I hope it's when it's truly needed."

Bruno Fernandes assisted Ronaldo for the captain's tenth World Cup goal: "Any assist is special. We know how important it is for our captain to score, and it's important for the national team that our captain scores. He is our main attacking reference, and we are very happy."