Belgrade was the place where Portugal visited Serbia for a new World Cup Qualifier on Saturday evening. We got player ratings.
Talk about robbery at gunpoint against Portugal, they just suffered an injustice against Serbia at the World Cup Qualifiers’ second match. Belgrade was the place where Fernando Santos and Cristiano Ronaldo attempted to get their second victory of this international break. During the first half, they appeared to work perfectly with a brilliant brace from Diogo Jota. Two headers in which Cristiano Ronaldo actively participated.
Throughout the first half, this Portuguese squad seemed well-organized and ready to score more goals. However, things were about to get a lot messier for them during the second half. As Serbia reacted in spectacular manner with two goals that allowed them to salvage a point at home. It was an impressive reaction that prevented Portugal from scoring another goal until the final minute of the game.
Ronaldo gets denied by the ref.
Both of Serbia’s goals came at a time when Portugal wasn’t able to put together a complete build-up. Cristiano Ronaldo appeared more tired as time passed but he still fought until the very end. The second goal from the locals was an impressive counter-attack that allowed them to equalize the match.
Near the final minute, Portugal had the victory through Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the referee decided to not allow a goal that clearly was legal. In the replay, you can easily see how the ball crosses the line. Cristiano threw a major tantrum after this, he took his captain’s armband and threw it on the ground before storming off the pitch.
Player ratings
Serbia: Dmitrovic (6), Mitrovic (6), Milenkovic (5), Pavlovic (5), Lazovic (6), Gudelj (6), Kostic (6), Milinkovic-Savic (7), Tadic (7), Mitrovic (7), Vlahovic (6).
Bench: Radonjic (5), Maksimovic (5), Ristic (6), Jovic (6), Doricic (6).
Portugal: Lopes (7), Fonte (7), Soares (6), Cancelo (7), Dias (7), Oliveira (7), Pereira (5), Bruno (7), Bernardo (7), Ronaldo (7), Jota (8).
Bench: Mendes (6), Sanches (5), Felix (5), Palhinha (5).
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