Fernandes is the new heartbeat of Portugal

DOHA Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow looms large over Portugal at the World Cup but, away from the flash of camera phones and rolling headlines, Bruno Fernandes has taken over the reins.

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Fernando Santos' team are synonymous with their leading man, a black hole for media attention and fan admiration, reducing his colleagues to a supporting cast, inadvertently or not.

However, in Qatar, playmaker Fernandes is emerging as the team's true creative leader, sealing qualification for the last 16 with a game to spare.

With several changes but Ronaldo still leading the side, Portugal fell to a 2-1 defeat by South Korea on Friday, but finished top of their group and face Switzerland.

Fernandes was rested and wrapped in cotton wool, and without him, Portugal failed to create many clear chances.

Still, supporters swooned over veteran striker Ronaldo save some South Korea fans who instead chanted for "Messi" - even as the all-time record international goalscorer floundered up front.

Even opposing players remain wary of Ronaldo.

"You cannot write off Cristiano, he is one of the best players in the world together with (Lionel) Messi," Swiss stalwart Xherdan Shaqiri told reporters after training on Sunday.