Ugarte had already backed Ecuador as his underdog team before being asked for a more adventurous call. His answer - “Bruno will not score” - was delivered as a rogue prediction rather than a serious assessment.
There is, however, an amusing piece of history behind the exchange. Fernandes scored both of his previous World Cup goals in Portugal’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay in 2022, when Ugarte was an unused substitute.
Fernandes is coming off an outstanding club season, scoring nine goals and providing 22 assists. That output helped him set a new Premier League assist record and collect major individual recognition, including the Premier League Player of the Season award.
His international contribution has also been substantial. Fernandes has recorded 29 goals and 26 assists in 88 appearances for Portugal. Across six previous World Cup matches, he has produced two goals and three assists.
His tendency to arrive around the penalty area, take responsibility from set pieces and influence attacks from midfield makes Ugarte’s forecast especially daring.
Portugal begin their group-stage campaign against DR Congo, before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia. They are expected to challenge deep into the tournament, with Fernandes likely to remain at the heart of their attacking plans.
Ugarte may have won the dressing-room exchange, but Portugal’s opener will give Fernandes the perfect opportunity to answer it.