Portugal qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022!
Portugal have ensured qualification for the World Cup finals in Qatar following a professional 2-0 victory over giant-killers North Macedonia.
Having seen off Turkey, Portugal knew that underdogs North Macedonia stood between them and a twelfth straight major tournament appearance after the Macedonians pulled off a sensational last-gasp victory over European champions Italy in the semi-finals. This wasn’t their first major upset either, having also beaten Germany 1-2 away in their World Cup qualifying group.
Portugal knew they were to be greeted by a disciplined and passionate side as a result, and showed a great deal of respect to their opponents in the opening 20 minutes, feeling their way into the game as they looked to seek any potential weaknesses in the opposition’s defensive setup.
Ultimately, however, chances were few and far between, Ronaldo’s effort dragged just wide one-on-one with the goalkeeper the only major breathrough Portugal managed to fashion in the opening 45 minutes.
They did, however, take the lead just after the half hour mark thanks to an error from former Sporting man Stefan Ristovski, whose cross-field pass was well intercepted by Bruno Fernandes, who finished emphatically after a tidy one-two with Cristiano Ronaldo.
It was much of the same in the second half, chances again at a premium, with Portugal eventually doubling their advantage with their only real goalscoring opportunity in the 65th minute, an exquisite Diogo Jota pass finding Bruno Fernandes who lashed into the back of the net from close range.
It was otherwise a fairly uneventful match, Portugal dictating play and control of the midfield in large part thanks to Moutinho, while Danilo Pereira and Pepe proved a phenomenal partnership at the heart of defence, clearing everything that came their way and producing some crucial last ditch tackles. There was an element of concern regarding the potential partnership in the build-up to the match, but they proved a stunning duo worthy of a World Cup side.
Portugal know they will also be in pot 1 for the World Cup draw alongside the likes of France, England, Belgium and hosts Qatar, and will find out the composition of their group on 1st April.
