Bruno Fernandes scored the decisive goal as Portugal beat Chile 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up fixture.
The Manchester United continued his outstanding club form for the national team, sweeping in the second goal for Portugal after Goncalo Guedes, on as a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo, had opened the scoring.
Lucas Cepeda’s late goal was little more than consolation for Chile, who failed to qualify for this summer’s tournament in North America.
The pre-tournament friendly saw both sides reduced to 10 men before half-time, as Rafael Leao and Ivan Ramon received red cards for a needless scuffle near the touchline.
However, it ended with Fernandes as the difference-maker, underlining the huge role he has in Portugal’s challenge this summer. The 31-year-old arrives at the World Cup after a career-best club campaign, in which he broke the Premier League’s single-season assist record (21).
That achievement saw him win the Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year awards, alongside a record fifth Manchester United Player of the Season prize. He is also the frontrunner to win the PFA Player of the Year award, which will be revealed in August.
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