Chapter 66: Different Encounters on Different Stages

Chapter 66: Different Encounters on Different Stages

On the evening of September 1st, Udinese played at home against Parma. Goals from Badu, Urtos, and Muriel led to a convincing 3:1 victory for Udinese.

Following the second round of the league against Parma, the first international break of the season began. As a strong contender in Serie A, Udinese had several players called up to their national teams, leading to a global dispersal in service of their countries.

As expected, Bruno was also called up by the Portuguese national team and traveled to Northern Ireland. This was part of the eighth round of Group F in the European qualifiers for the World Cup in Brazil.

The day before, Russia had beaten Luxembourg 4:1 at home, overtaking Portugal with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses, surpassing Portugal's 4 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, to take the top spot in Group F.

To reclaim the top position and secure direct qualification for the World Cup, Coach Paulo Bento fielded his strongest lineup. At Windsor Park, Alves scored first for Portugal, but McCauley and Ward quickly turned the score around for Northern Ireland. Ronaldo then completed a hat-trick, leading Portugal to a dramatic comeback.

It was a tumultuous match marked by an abundance of red and yellow cards. Portugal's Postiga and Northern Ireland's Brunt and Lafferty were sent off with red cards. Additionally, the referee issued six yellow cards during the match.

Bruno spent a frustrating ninety minutes on the bench without playing a minute, which somewhat upset him. However, considering the fierce competition with Russia for the top spot in the group, he understood the coach's decision.

What followed, however, significantly displeased Bruno.

After defeating Northern Ireland and regaining the top spot in Group F, the Portuguese team flew across the Atlantic for a friendly match against Brazil at Gillette Stadium in Boston.

In this match, Bruno once again sat on the bench throughout. Without the injured Ronaldo, the Portuguese midfield composed of Veloso, Meireles, and Moutinho was completely dominated by Brazil, resulting in a 1:3 loss.

Meireles, the commanding midfielder for Portugal, expressed in a post-match interview, "The result is too heavy for us." Despite the defeat, Coach Paulo Bento remained composed, commenting, "On the positive side, we created threats and gained an early lead at the start of the match; negatively, we played without aggression, which is necessary not only in defense but in our attacks as well."

Before the Portugal vs. Brazil match, Russia had beaten Israel 3:1 at home in another Group F match, dashing the latter's hopes and reclaiming the top spot on the group leaderboard.

Traveling halfway around the world only to spend 180 minutes on the bench left Bruno quite unhappy, especially since Coach Paulo Bento did not trust him enough to play in the friendly against Brazil.

If there was no trust, why was he called up in the first place?

Displeased, Bruno left the team in Boston and flew alone to Milan, then back to Udine.

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On September 15th, Udinese faced Bologna at home in the third round of the league. Coach Guidolin observed the situation from the bench. By the 80th minute, Udinese was still trailing 0:1 at home.

Affected by the FIFA match days, many of Udinese's players were not at their best. Conversely, Bologna, with fewer international players, performed better on the field.

Udinese conceded in the 71st minute when Naldo committed a foul just outside the box, leading to a perfect free-kick opportunity for Bologna. Diamanti scored with a left-footed shot that flew into the top right corner of Udinese's goal.

Udinese immediately responded but struggled to break through Bologna's robust defense.

In the 84th minute, Udinese won a corner. Bruno Fernandes positioned himself to take the corner, signaling his intent to kick.

As the crowded Bologna penalty area braced for the set-piece, Udinese needed to exploit this chance. Captain Di Natale also moved into Bologna's box, immediately marked by two defenders. Although not tall, Di Natale's excellent positioning often brought success in corner attacks.

As Udinese's taller players jostled with defenders, chaos ensued.

The referee's whistle blew, and Bruno launched the ball into the box. Pereira jumped at the near post, but the defenders jumped with him, and none touched the ball, which flew across the area.

Substitute Muriel headed at goal, slightly redirecting the ball. Bologna's goalkeeper, Curci, made a reflexive save, but the ball wasn't cleared from danger. Amid the scramble in the box, attacking and defending players tangled, all trying to reach the ball.

After taking the corner, Bruno started to jog back but stopped abruptly upon seeing the net shake. He raised his arms in celebration as he saw Di Natale doing the same.

Captain Di Natale roared as he ran toward the corner flag, followed by his jubilant teammates.

"gooooooooooooooool!!!!!!" shouted the commentator from Sky Sports Italy, former AC Milan star Costacurta. "Antonio Di Natale! Udinese's captain scores again, the nearly 36-year-old veteran finds the net! 1:1! Udinese levels the score!"

Fired up, Bruno punched the air vigorously.

The goal came at a crucial moment in this tough match, marking a significant turnaround.

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With morale boosted, Udinese continued to pressure Bologna. In the 89th minute, Bruno assisted in Udinese's second goal of the match.

2:1—Udinese scored twice within five minutes to turn the game around!

Three minutes of added time later, the referee blew the final whistle.

Thanks to goals from veteran captain Di Natale and newcomer Bruno Fernandes, Udinese came from behind to win 2:1 at home against Bologna, securing a perfect start with three wins from three games in Serie A.

With a full nine points, Udinese climbed to second place in the league, just behind Napoli, who also won their first three games. Only Roma, with two wins, could potentially surpass Udinese after this round, meaning Udinese would be at least third in the standings.

Udinese was followed by Inter Milan, Fiorentina, and Juventus, all with two wins and one draw.

The Friuli Stadium erupted in cheers.

Young Bruno Fernandes raised his arms high, surrounded by ecstatic Udinese players, with countless excited fans waving in the stands.

After a disappointing first international trip, returning to Serie A, Bruno shone again, contributing significantly to his team.

With two goals and three assists in three games, Bruno was the brightest star on the Serie A stage this season.

(End of Chapter)

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