Fernando José Alves Brassard (born 11 April 1972) is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
Playing career Born in Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique, Brassard emerged through Benfica's youth system, but was soon deemed surplus to requirements, making his professional debut with lowly Louletano on loan. In the following years, he represented on the same basis Marítimo, Gil Vicente (two spells) and Vitória de Guimarães.
In the summer of 1995, Brassard returned to Benfica for two unassuming seasons, as he had to settle with battling for backup status behind Belgian Michel Preud'homme. He then spent one year with Varzim – starting but seeing his club be relegated from the Primeira Liga – closing out his career at Vitória de Setúbal aged only 29, being again second-choice for three years.
Brassard was in the squad for both of Portugal winning teams in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1989 and 1991, being part of the dubbed the Golden Generation. Alongside teammate João Pinto and Argentinian Sergio Agüero, he was the only player in the world to win the tournament twice, although he did not play one second in the first edition.
Coaching career In 2003, shortly after his retirement, Brassard joined the senior national team's coaching staff, working with the goalkeepers for several years. In 2010, in the same capacity, he switched to the under-21 side.
Honours Benfica Taça de Portugal: 1995–96
Portugal FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1989, 1991 UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 1994
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