Portugal 2-0 North Macedonia: Fernandes on the double as Portugal qualify for World Cup

Bruno Fernandes scored on either side of half-time to give Portugal three crucial points as they qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Portugal came out on top in a winner-takes-all playoff final that saw Fernando Santos’ side beat North Macedonia 2-0 to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo set up his Manchester United teammate with a sublime nutmeg pass as Fernandes scored the first goal of the evening.

North Macedonia looked set to frustrate Portugal as they did Italy last week, but the hosts dominated the game for the entire 90 minutes.

Ronaldo had a late chance to get on the scoresheet himself but the visitors’ keeper, Stole Dimitrievski punched the shot away, leaving the 37-year-old frustrated.

Nevertheless, the players made every minute of the game count, and ensured Portugal make the World Cup in Qatar.

Player Ratings

Portugal: Costa (7) Joao Cancelo (7), Danilo (7), Pepe (7), Nuno Mendes (6), Bruno Fernandes (9), Joao Moutinho (8), Otavio (6), Ronaldo (8), Jota (8), Bernardo Silva (7).

Subs: William Carvalho (6), Leao (6), Joao Felix (N/A), Matheus Nunes (N/A), Vitinha (N/A).

North Macedonia: Dimitrievski (5), Stefan Ristovski (5), Musliu (4), Velkovski (5), Alioski (4), Elmas (5), Bardhi (5), Ademi (5), Trajkovski (6), Milan Ristovski (5), Kostadinov (5).

Subs: Miovski (5), Churlinov (5), Askovski (5), Nikolov (N/A).