Portugal head into Matchday 3 of the Qatar 2022 group stage in high spirits, with a ticket to the knockout stage already under their belt. Before they move on to the next round of the FIFA World Cup, they have to face South Korea.
Though the most important goal has been accomplished, Fernando Santos knows his team has yet to secure the top spot in Group H. Portugal are leading with 6 points, but Ghana could overtake them.
Even so, the Portuguese manager considers that risking his best players isn’t worth it. The lineup will have a number of changes in regard to the Uruguay win, including the absence of Bruno Fernandes.
Why is Bruno Fernandes not starting for Portugal against South Korea
Fernando Santos decided to rest Bruno Fernandes for the South Korea fixture, with his sights set on the Round of 16. The Manchester United star plays a pivotal role for Portugal, which is why they need him at his best for the remainder of the competition. Using this World Cup Predictor, you can see every potential outcome of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
