Lyon and Portugal goalkeeper Anthony Lopes says it’s “impossible” to save Manchester United attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes‘ penalties.
United’s number eight scored his second of the night from the spot in Portugal’s 2-0 win against Uruguay last night.
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo trying his best, the 28-year-old was awarded Portugal’s first goal against La Celeste, which was not only Fernandes’ first World Cup goal, but also his first at a major international tournament.
Prior to Fernandes scoring his penalty against Uruguay, the former Sporting Lisbon captain’s compatriot Lopes was filmed watching the match and giving his thoughts on what it’s like to try and stop our Portuguese magnifico’s spot kicks.
Anthony Lopes says it’s “impossible” to save Bruno Fernandes’ penalties
Lopes, who appears in a video published by his club – Lyon, tried to predict which way the Uruguay goalkeeper should go before Fernandes did his usual penalty kick routine.
“It’s a joke,” the 32-year-old who has been capped 14 times by Portugal said.
“I don’t know [which way you go] but there’s always the little step, the little jump. It’s very difficult,” Lopes said, moments before Fernandes struck home the penalty.”
After Fernandes slotted home the penalty, Lopes declared saving his spot kicks as an “impossible” task.
Lopes added: “I told you, I’ve done everything. Nothing works. I’ve done 600 penalties with him, it’s impossible.”
Fernandes has scored 44 penalties during his career, but he has missed five spot kicks – three of which have come during his time at Old Trafford.
His last penalty miss for the Red Devils came at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal back in April.
However, with Cristiano Ronaldo no longer at the Theatre of Dreams, Fernandes could be handed penalty kick duties for the twenty-time league champions once again following the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s departure.