March 30, (THEWILL) – Portugal qualified for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over North Macedonia on Tuesday night in Porto, thanks to a brace from Bruno Fernandes.
The visiting side’s encouraging start foreshadowed a tough evening for the Selecao, but the important occasion only looked to be going Portugal’s way as they gained control early on and overcame spirited opposition to secure their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Prior to the game, Cristiano Ronaldo described this encounter as “life and death,” yet he was found wanting when the game’s first clear-cut chance was delivered to him on a silver platter.
Despite North Macedonia’s apparent calm and confidence, the hosts appeared to be the favourites to score first. Otavio placed Ronaldo clean through on goal, but he could only pull wide of the far post.
Although the visitors displayed tenacity and spirit, the deadlock-breaker sprang from a heinous defensive decision shortly after the half-hour mark.
Fernandes capitalised on a mishandled long pass across the back four by right-back Stefan Ristovski, setting Ronaldo up. Rather than taking the chance himself, the skipper returned the ball to Fernandes, through the legs of Visar Musliu, who clinically rifled home a first-time finish to set Portugal on their way.
North Macedonia responded admirably to falling behind, but after 65 minutes, despite a very minor revival following the mid-way interval, they were faced with an insurmountable mountain to climb.
Fernandes was once again in the heart of the action, this time launching a ruthlessly spectacular and sweeping breakaway before racing into the box, latching onto Diogo Jota’s inch-perfect cross, and producing a beautiful half-volleyed finish to effectively seal the deal for Portugal.
To the rowdy party atmosphere that soon filled the Estadio do Dragao, Fernando Santos’ side was able to easily see the game out at their own pace, dealing patiently with North Macedonia’s efforts to salvage anything.
Portugal’s 2-0 victory ensures that they will compete in the World Cup finals for the sixth time in a row in Qatar towards the end of the year. When the draw takes place on Friday, Santos and his team will find out who their group-stage opponents will be.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
