The Manchester City duo combined just past the half hour mark for the game’s opening goal, with Cancelo latching onto the midfielder’s precise through ball before rifling into the far corner from a tight angle.
Bernardo repeated the trick five minutes later as another perfectly weighted pass allowed Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes to fire a first-time finish across Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek.
The playmaker was withdrawn 22 minutes from time as Portugal closed out a 2-0 victory that puts them two points clear of Spain at the top of Group A2 after three matches.
Rodrigo was an unused substitute as La Roja beat Switzerland thanks to Pablo Sarabia’s effort, whilst Elite Development Squad defender Shea Charles continued his fledgling international career, winning his third Northern Ireland cap in a 3-2 defeat to Kosovo.
The Green and White Army trailed 3-1 when the 18-year-old was introduced off the bench in the 68th minute.
Goals from Vedat Muriqi and Zymer Bytyqi put the home side two goals to the good before Shayne Lavery’s header pulled one back for Ian Baraclough’s men.
A Muriqi penalty restored the two-goal lead and Charles was unable to help complete a fightback, despite Dan Ballard’s thunderous header giving the visitors hope.
The defeat leaves Northern Ireland third in Nations League Group C2, with one point from their opening three games.
All three teams are in action again on Sunday. Portugal and Spain face Switzerland and Czech Republic respectively, whilst Northern Ireland host Cyprus.
