Porto (Portugal), March 30 (IANS): Bruno Fernandes scored a goal in each half as Portugal secured a 2-0 victory over North Macedonia on Tuesday to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Portugal's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to celebrate as he helped his team advance to the World Cup for the fifth time in his career.
Ronaldo has played in every World Cup since 2006 and the Manchester United star ensured that streak would continue as he helped Portugal top North Macedonia 2-0.
"Goal accomplished. We made it to the World Cup in Qatar. We are where we deserve to be," Ronaldo said on Instagram after the match.
Macedonia were unable to replicate their shock win over European champions Italy but gave a good account of themselves throughout the 90 minutes. However, they did not manage to pull off another shock against a European giant.
North Macedonia rarely troubled Diogo Costa in the Portuguese goal in the first period but started brightly after the interval.
Portugal have started to find their rhythm and Bernardo Silva and Joao Moutinho are playing their part, building things from deep. Without the ball they're pressing high, forcing North Macedonia to go long and lose the ball.
Portugal took the lead after 22 minutes when Fernandes intercepted a poor pass in midfield and exchanged passes with Ronaldo before producing a fine finish into the corner. The hosts doubled their lead in the second half when Fernandes got on the end of a fine counter attack to convert from close range.
"This win will remain in a special place for me because we have achieved our aim," Fernandes said. "That was the most important thing. I think Portugal played better. We've had better performances, but this is one of the highlights because it guarantees access to the World Cup," he said.
Portugal, who won the 2016 European Championship in France, qualified for a sixth straight World Cup finals and have not missed a major international competition in the last 20 years.