City duo Bernard Silva and Ruben Dias both started as a rampant Portugal secured a record-breaking 9-0 rout over Luxembourg in their latest EURO 2024 qualifier in Almancil.
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Dias played for the full game while Bernardo figured for an hour before making way with City colleague Joao Cancelo – currently on loan at Barcelona – coming on as a second half substitute
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Dias made a slow start to the game but distributed the ball well. He blocked one shot and played five long balls in a decent outing. Completed the most passes in the match, had little to do on the other side of the ball.
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Silva was silky on the ball and provided an assist for Ramos’ first goal. He passed the ball with 97% accuracy, including two key passes. A more workmanlike performance while wearing the armband. Fernandes was the creator, Pereira the destroyer, and Silva the legs in between. It’s not his natural position, but he plays it well.
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Cancelo replaced Semedo and enjoyed some signature roaming runs, and passed well. Still not at his best, but much improved.
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Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol started with City colleague Mateo Kovacic an unused substitute as Croatia secured a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Armenia in their latest EURO 2024 qualifier.
City central defender Gvardiol played the full 90 minutes.