Portugal Captain Ronaldo Set For Fifth World Cup Appearance
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his fifth FIFA World Cup appearance in Qatar as his side sealed its place after a brace from Bruno Fernandes, securing a 2-0 victory against North Macedonia in their qualification playoff match.
Ronaldo, 37, is set to join a select group of players who have made it to five World Cup tournaments in their careers — Germany’s Lothar Matthaus, Mexico’s Rafa Marquez and Antonio Carbajal and Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon.
After their shock victory against the European champions Italy, North Macedonia headed to Porto with the intention of knocking out another European giant. Fernandes opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after an error from North Macedonia.
In the second half, Portugal were looking to extend their leda as they weren’t going to underestimate a North Macedonia side that defeated Italy in dramatic fashion.
Manchester United midfielder Fernandez doubled his tally after finishing a counter-attack he helped start with a fine 65th-minute half volley.
Fernandes’ goal settled any nerves in the crowd, ensuring Portugal kept up its record of qualifying for every FIFA World Cup since the turn of the century.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos has led his country to Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League, and is now targeting their first ever World Cup title.
🇵🇹💪 Portugal are going to Qatar 2022 #WCQ | #WorldCup | @selecaoportugal pic.twitter.com/vf4gZztQbP
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 29, 2022
“I have already won two competitions and I hope I can win the third one in Qatar,” coach Santos said.
“There was a spirit of mutual help and great support from the public. It was a deserved and fair win and qualification. I don’t remember any great goalscoring situations for their team.”
UEFA qualification playoff results
Poland 2-0 Sweden
Portugal 2-0 North Macedonia
Chidi Nwoke/UEFA.
