10 July,2026 05:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bruno Fernandes (Pic: X/@B_Fernandes8)
In the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal suffered a shocking exit after a disappointing loss against Spain in the round of 16.
Following the loss, Portugal and Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes expressed disappointment and also admitted that the team's quality and bond had raised expectations.
He thanked his teammates, management, and fans for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. In his post on X, the midfielder wrote, "Sad, frustrated, and disillusioned. This group of players made my expectations high, not only for the quality, but also for the fact of the incredible group that we built over these years. Thank you to all the players, the technical team, and all the staff who accompanied and helped us every day during the World Cup. To all the Portuguese, a huge thank you for your support and belief."
The Portuguese men entered the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the cup, but their campaign came to an end in the round of 16. Mikel Merino scored a late goal to help Spain cruise to the quarter-final stage of the tournament.
However, the match was expected to be full of goals, considering the likes of Bruno, Lamine Yamal, Nuno Mendes, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, Spain achieved a historic World Cup feat by becoming the first-ever team to keep six consecutive clean sheets in the tournament.
The match was full of chances for both sides to score, but none could really capitalise it until a late winner from Merino.
Portugal, in particular Fernandes and Ronaldo, missed out on a lot of chances. It was Merino, who combined with Ferran Torres, another substitute, to create the much-needed magic for Spain.
Portugal's skipper Ronaldo had announced that the ongoing edition of the tournament will be his last World Cup.
However, the 41-year-old star footballer has not dropped any hints of retirement as he will be chasing the record of 1000 professional goals.
The title clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played on July 20 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
(With ANI Inputs)
