Bruno Fernandes scored a brace to guide Portugal to a 2-0 win over North Macedonia on Tuesday to qualify for the 2023 World Cup.
The Manchester United midfielder scored in every half as Portugal booked their place in opposition to Qatar later this yr.
Affirmation of the highest seed within the World Cup finals draw
With this outcome, Portugal certified for the World Cup for the sixth time in a row. It’s possible that this would be the final participation of Cristiano Ronaldo along with his nation, though he denied reviews of his retirement earlier than the play-off match.
Macedonia was unable to repeat its shock victory over European champions Italy, however it scored itself effectively all through the 90 minutes.
“This win will stay in a particular place for me as a result of we achieved our aim,” Fernandez stated in a post-match interview. “That was an important factor. I believe Portugal performed higher.
“We put in a greater efficiency, however this is likely one of the highlights as a result of it ensures entry to the World Cup.
“The necessary factor is to assist the workforce. I am not right here to attain, I am right here to assist. If I might help rating objectives, I am comfortable to do it. Any participant likes to attain. However the primary goal is to assist no matter I can. That is what I’ve finished and finished previously.”
Portugal took the lead after 22 minutes when Fernandez intercepted a poor go in midfield and exchanged passes with Ronaldo earlier than firing into the nook.
Portugal dominated the sport from that second on and doubled their lead within the second half after 65 minutes when Fernandes hit a high quality counter-attack to show it in from shut vary.
Portugal dominated the sport from the beginning, having taken in 50,000 spectators at Porto’s all-sold Dragao Stadium, however struggled to smash North Macedonia’s staunch protection, solely managing three pictures heading in the right direction regardless of possessing practically 70% of the acquisition.
Then, Fernando Santos’ facet ran the clock, celebrating on the ultimate whistle with their jubilant followers who remained within the stands for greater than quarter-hour after the match, singing because the gamers accomplished a victory lap carrying the massive Portugal flag.
Portugal, who received the 2016 European Championship in France, certified for the World Cup finals for the sixth consecutive time and haven’t missed a serious worldwide match within the final 20 years.
They pushed into the playoffs after ending second in Group A, having misplaced their final dwelling sport to Serbia 2-1 final November.
That left them needing to win back-to-back video games of elimination to qualify, with final week’s win over Turkey, surviving late drama, and establishing a tiebreaker in opposition to Macedonia.
It was a tricky event in Porto on Tuesday however Portugal managed the aim and prevented any surprises from the groups that didn’t shoot heading in the right direction.
“My gamers confirmed nice behaviour,” Santos stated. “There was a sense of rallying, we dominated, created possibilities and scored. The followers had been nice, it is a effectively deserved win.
“We completely need to be within the World Cup. My conscience is evident. I’ve already received two tournaments (Euro 2016 and UEFA Nations League 2019) and I dream loads about profitable the third.”
