Portugal 3-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Fernandes bags brace in big win

Bruno Fernandes bagged a brace as Portugal cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Saturday's Euro 2024 qualifier.

Edin Dzeko had a golden opportunity to give the visitors the lead but could not capitalise as he saw his shot sail over the bar. 

Cristiano Ronaldo was at the heart of the opener, holding up play before popping the ball into Fernandes, who passed to Bernardo Silva for a tidy chipped finish. 

Fernandes then extended Portugal's lead by meeting Ruben Neves' whipped cross with a thumping header that flew into the back of the Bosnia-Herzegovina net.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was forced into action late on and expertly saved to keep a clean sheet for his side. 

Manchester United's midfielder capped off his impressive display by powerfully firing home a half-volley inside the box for his second of the match.

It sees Portugal stay top of Group J with a maximum of nine points, continuing their perfect start under the guidance of former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

After the match, the Spanish tactician expressed his delight with the result.

He said: "Today was a typical June stage game, with mental fatigue. The players were at a high level physically, it was a difficult game against a team with very clear ideas. 

"We need to be together, to learn, to play as a team. We need games like this to keep growing. We must enjoy the victory, then we will think about Iceland."

Meanwhile, Fernandes showed his eagerness to play in every match and was pleased with the win.

He said: "I was fresh, now less fresh, but I will recover. Later I'll have my rest, but I always want to play and give my best. I don't want to think about being tired.

"It was a great win, these are difficult games and we have to make them easy, as we did.

"I'm pleased to have scored, but the most important thing was getting the three points. We want to be in the European Championship."