INTERNATIONAL: Portugal's Bruno Fernandes scored a clinical double as his side beat stubborn visitors North Macedonia 2-0 to qualify for the World Cup finals in Qatar after a tense European playoff tie on Tuesday (March 29).
Roared on by 50,000 fans at a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start, but struggled to break down the strong North Macedonian defense, managing only three shots on target despite having almost 70% of the possession.
Fernandes opened the scoring 30 minutes into the first half after intercepting a pass by his best friend, North Macedonia captain Stefan Ristovski, working a great one-two with Cristiano Ronaldo before whipping his shot past the goalkeeper.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder sealed Portugal's win in the 65th minute, striking home a volley from a Diogo Jota cross.
Fernando Santos's team then ran down the clock, celebrating at the final whistle with their joyful fans that remained in the stands for more than 15 minutes after the game, singing as the players completed a victory lap holding a huge Portuguese flag.
Portugal Coach, Fernando Santos, Said:
"We’ve already proved that we could win two very important competitions. Obviously, we know that when the World Cup takes place in November, there will be great squads in the competition, but, like always, Portugal will be a candidate too. And that's what we will try to do (win). Naturally, knowing that we're a squad of great quality."
"I always tell my players a very simple thing, when our team at least equals our opponent, then the quality and talent of our players – and we have players of enormous quality – the quality and talent of these players have a tendency to win the match. When we only have the talent, but we lack our organization, we have difficulties, of course."
Portugal, who won the 2016 European Championship in France and the 2019 UEFA Nations League at home, qualified for a sixth straight World Cup finals, and have now not missed a major international competition in the last 20 years.
"I have already won two competitions and I hope I can win the third one in Qatar," coach Santos told a news conference.
Portugal was pushed into the playoffs after finishing second in Group A, having lost their final game at home to Serbia 2-1 in November, 2021.
That had left them needing to win two consecutive elimination games to qualify, with last week's win over Turkey, where they survived late drama, setting up a decider against North Macedonia, who had stunned Italy in their opening match.
It was a nervous occasion in Porto on Tuesday, but Portugal dominated and avoided any surprises from the underdogs, who did not have a shot on target.
