Fernandes said, “Spain deserve credit, but I believe that if we had continued doing what we were doing in the first half, we would have left here with a different result.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has attributed his country’s exit from the ongoing World Cup to their decision to employ a defensive approach against Spain.
The Manchester United captain expressed his frustration after the match, which was played on Monday at Dallas Stadium.
In an encounter slightly edged by Spain, Luis de la Fuente’s men failed to create clear-cut openings in a poor second half.
However, Mikel Merino came off the substitutes’ bench to net a late winner for La Roja, effectively sending them through to the next round.
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Speaking after the fixture, Fernandes, who cut a frustrated figure for most of the game, faulted how they approached the second half.
According to him, the team’s decision to employ defensive tactics made them suffer and ultimately cost them progression into the last-eight stage.
“In the first half, we were superior, but in the second half we made the mistake again of dropping too deep and giving the ball to the opponent,” Fernandes said.
He added, “When that happens, we end up suffering.
“Spain deserve credit, but I believe that if we had continued doing what we were doing in the first half, we would have left here with a different result.”
