The team led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo prevailed in a hard-fought game and still hopes for participation in the World Cup in Qatar. Austria, on the other hand, is out – and a man is responsible for it.
The World Cup hope for Portugal lives on. The 2016 European champions around superstar Cristiano Ronaldo won 3-1 (2-0) against Turkey in the semifinals of the World Cup playoffs and are in the final for a place at the tournament in Qatar. Otavio (15′), Diogo Jota (42′) and Matheus Nunes (90′ + 4′) scored for the Portuguese, Burak Yilmaz (65′) scored the goal for Turkey – and became a tragic figure in the 85th minute, when he fired a penalty over the goal.
For Germany’s former U21 coach Kuntz it was the first defeat with the Turks in the fifth game, and their dream of participating in the World Cup for the first time since 2002 was shattered. Portugal now face North Macedonia next Tuesday, who sensationally threw Italy out of the playoffs (read more here).
Wales and Sweden still have a chance
Wales also have chances to reach the finals. The Brits won 2-1 against Austria on Thursday and are also in the final. Gareth Bale ensured the success of the “Dragons” with a brace (25th, 51st), Bayern’s Marcel Sabitzer (64th) was only able to score the goal. The Welsh are now set to play a decider against Ukraine or Scotland in the summer, a play-off semi-final postponed amid Russia’s war of aggression. It is scheduled to take place in June.
Sweden can still hope – the “Tre Kronor” defeated the Czech Republic 1-0 (0-0) after extra time. The former Mainz player Robin Quaison scored in the 110th minute for the success of the Scandinavians, who now meet Poland – their actual semi-final opponent Russia had been suspended by Fifa because of the aggressive war against Ukraine.
–
