Porto –
Portugal make sure you will compete in 2022 World Cup. Following Portugal’s victory over North Macedonia with a score of 2-0 in the qualifying playoffs.
The Portugal vs North Macedonia duel was held at the Estadio Do Dragao, Wednesday (30/3/2022) in the morning WIB. Bruno Fernandes became the star of the victory after picking up two Selecao das Quinas goals, which were scored in each half.
Portugal was in control of the game. In the sixth minute Nuno Mendes found space to release a cross from the left wing. However, the ball just rolled in front of the North Macedonian goal with no other Portuguese players to welcome it.
Portugal’s first chance wasted. Ronaldo received a through ball from Otavio and then slipped in the opponent’s defense line. Unfortunately, Ronaldo’s left foot shot towards the far post was still thin.
Portugal’s dominance finally managed to break the deadlock. In the 32nd minute, Bruno Fernandes gave Portugal a 1-0 lead over North Macedonia.
Fernandes cut through Stefan Ristovski’s pass, then released a pass to Ronaldo up front. In front of the penalty box, Ronaldo chose to pass the ball to Fernandes which was completed with a horizontal kick.
Ahead of the break, Portugal threatened North Macedonia’s goal. A long bait from behind to meet Ronaldo on the left side of the penalty box. Ronaldo failed to control the ball well so that it hit the opponent’s defense line, Diogo Jota hit the ball but his shot only nestled on the outside of the goal net.
Portugal created another chance after the break. Bruno Fernandes’ long-range shot was caught by Dimitrievski.
Portugal’s long-awaited second goal was finally born in the 65th minute. Bruno Fernandes scored again to make it 2-0. Fernandes completed Diogo Jota’s cross from the left wing with a first-time shot in the center of the box.
Portugal almost created his third goal in the 79th minute. Bruno Fernandes accelerated forward before sending a cross into the middle of the penalty box. Too bad the North Macedonian defender was able to deflect the ball.
North Macedonia seemed to have given up. Portugal freely went forward even though it had not been able to create another opportunity. Match finished score 2-0 for the advantage Portugal survive until the game is over and at the same time qualify for Qatar.
Lineup
PORTUGAL: Diogo Costa, pepe, Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Moutinho (Vitinha 90+1′), Danilo Pereira, Otavio (William Carvalho 77′), Bruno Fernandes (Matheus Nunes 88′), Bernardo Silva (Joao Felix 88′), Ronaldo, Jota (Rafael Leao 77′)
MACEDONIA UTARA: Dimitrievski, Stefan Ristovski, Musliu, Velkovski, Ademi, Alioski, Kostadinov (Askovski 75 ‘), Bardhi, Elmas (Nikolov 88’), Trajkovski (Churlinov 59 ‘), Milan Ristovski (Miovski 46’)
Watch Videos “For the third time, Louis Van Gaal takes charge of the Dutch national team“
[Gambas:Video 20detik]
(rin / ran)
–
