Cristiano Ronaldo fought back tears after the last minute shock

Photo: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

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The Portuguese national team around Cristiano Ronaldo only needed one point on the last group match day of the World Cup qualification to be able to participate in the finals in Qatar next year. In the game against Serbia, the goal seemed to be within reach until shortly before the end – until the big moment for Aleksandar Mitrovic struck.

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The Fulham FC striker headed a cross from the right side in the last minute of regular time for the Serbs 2-1 victory in the opposing case. The Portuguese took the lead right after the kick-off through ex-Bayern player Renato Sancho, before Dusan Tadic scored to equalize in the 33rd minute.

The Serbs, who were tied with the home team in second place before the game, needed a win because of the poorer goal difference. And that’s how they played. Almost nothing came from Portugal after the early 1-0.

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After the triumph of the Serbs, the Iberians now have to worry about their World Cup participation in the playoffs, which, among other things, visibly took away Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 sat on the grass after the final whistle fighting back tears.

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CR7-Kollege Joao Palhinha sagt Sorry

Following the defeat, Joao Palhinha apologized to his own supporters for the result. “We have to take responsibility because it was a pathetic game. We only defended in the second half.” The 26-year-old showed himself to be a fair loser and congratulated the well-deserved winner. “Compliments to Serbia, they played very well, but we had the opportunity to stay at the top of the table,” said the Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder.

In March, Portugal have to prevail in two playoff games to get one of the last three World Cup tickets. The opponents for this will be drawn at the end of November.

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