Bruno Fernandes targets Portugal response after heavy Denmark loss

Bruno Fernandes says Portugal remain focused on finishing top of their Nations League group despite their 4-1 defeat by Denmark in Braga.

The Manchester United midfielder and Portugal captain acknowledged the team’s disappointing performance but insisted the result had not ended their campaign. Portugal can still secure first place when they face Wales in their next match.

Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster 11, Fernandes described the defeat as a difficult night which the team must use to learn from its mistakes and assess what went wrong.

He admitted Portugal had failed to carry out their plan effectively and were unable to impose their usual style of play. The midfielder said the side had not produced the level expected of them and that several areas needed improvement before the meeting with Wales.

Portugal traditionally rely heavily on their strength in midfield, but Fernandes said Denmark had successfully closed the spaces in the central areas and prevented Portugal from making the most of that advantage.

The visitors also dealt intelligently with Portugal’s approach, making it difficult for them to play through the middle and create opportunities. As a result, Portugal increasingly looked to attack down the flanks rather than rely on movement and passing through the centre.

Fernandes said that change did not provide the desired impact. Portugal were reduced to individual battles and crosses despite knowing Denmark were capable of defending that type of threat effectively.

“Denmark were strong in that area,” Fernandes said, while also acknowledging their opponents’ efficiency in front of goal. The visitors took advantage of the opportunities they created, extending their lead and making a comeback increasingly difficult for Portugal.

The Portugal captain did not attempt to play down the scale of the setback, accepting that his side had made clear errors and that their overall display had not been positive.

However, he rejected the idea that the match offered nothing from which the team could benefit. Fernandes said the coaching staff and players must analyse the performance, identify the elements that failed to work and retain the positive aspects that were still evident despite the scoreline.

Portugal had won their first four matches in the Nations League, a run Fernandes believes gives them a genuine opportunity to finish at the top of the group.

He said the defeat by Denmark should not lead to a change in their objectives or ambitions. The group situation, he added, remained clear, with top spot still dependent on Portugal’s performance in their final match.

Portugal need only one point against Wales to guarantee first place. Fernandes called for the team to approach the game with positivity and energy, with the aim of collecting the three points they missed out on against Denmark.

He said the team’s objective had not changed and that the appropriate response to the defeat must come through both their performance and result in the next fixture.