Fernandes double eases Portugal past Finland
Portugal ramped up its Euro 2024 preparations as Bruno Fernandes was twice on target to stave off a late Finland fightback in a 4-2 friendly victory.
Roberto Martinez's side was on course for a routine win in its first of three warm-up matches as captain Ruben Dias and Diogo Jota – the latter from the penalty spot – scored in the first half.
Fernandes furthered the host's lead after the break at Jose Alvalade Stadium, only for Finland to threaten a comeback just two weeks before Portugal's Euros opener against Czech Republic.
Former Norwich City forward Teemu Pukki twice fired past Jose Sa late on, though his efforts were not enough to salvage an unlikely draw after Fernandes made sure of victory six minutes from time.
Although Pukki's two strikes within five minutes offered Portugal a little to think about, Martinez's side was good value for its win – accumulating 3.05 expected goals to Finland's 0.96
Alongside Fernandes's heroics, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha was the star of the show in midfield, creating a game-leading five chances, three more than the entire Finland team managed all game.