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After a tense European playoff tie on Tuesday, Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes struck a clinical double as they defeated North Macedonia 2-0 to qualify for the World Cup championships in Qatar (March 29). Portugal, who were cheered on by 50,000 spectators at a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, dominated the game from the start but were unable to break past the North Macedonian defense, managing only three shots on target despite having nearly 70% possession.
After intercepting a ball from his best buddy, North Macedonia captain Stefan Ristovski, Fernandes worked a wonderful one-two with Cristiano Ronaldo before sending his effort past the goalkeeper 30 minutes into the first half. In the 65th minute, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder clinched Portugal’s victory by slamming home a penalty kick. Diogo Jota’s cross resulted in a volley.
Fernando Santos’ side then ran out the clock, celebrating with their ecstatic fans in the stands for more than 15 minutes after the game, singing as the players performed a victory lap while carrying a giant Portugal flag. “I don’t care about individual achievements,” Fernandes told reporters, “but this display will be remembered because it helped my country reach a World Cup.”
Portugal qualified for a sixth consecutive World Cup finals after winning the 2016 European Championship in France and the 2019 UEFA Nations League at home. They have now not missed a major international competition in the last 20 years. “I’ve already won two competitions, and I’m hoping to win more.”I’m hoping to win the third one in Qatar,” Santos said at a press conference.
“There was a spirit of mutual aid and a lot of public backing.” It was a well-deserved victory and qualification. I don’t recall their squad having any spectacular goal-scoring opportunities.”
After finishing second in Group A and losing their final game at home to Serbia 2-1 in November, they were pushed into the playoffs. Last week’s triumph over Turkey, in which they escaped late drama, set up a decider versus North Macedonia, who had surprised Italy in their first encounter.
On a nerve-wracking night in Porto on Tuesday, Portugal dominated and avoided any surprises from the underdogs, who failed to score.
The following is a list of European countries that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar…
1. Belgium
2. Croatia
3. Denmark
4. England
5. France
6. Germany
7. Netherlands
8. Poland
9. Portugal
10. Serbia
11. Spain
12. Switzerland
* Wales will face either Scotland or Ukraine in the final European qualifier, which will determine the final 13-team European lineup. From November 21 to December 18, 2022, the World Cup will be held.
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