Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a defiant message after helping Portugal reach the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Bruno Fernandes scored both goals as the Selecao brushed past North Macedonia in the final play-off qualifier. Having upset Italy in the previous round, the Macedonian's never really looked like troubling Portugal for a spot in Qatar.
Many had been expecting Manchester United superstar Ronaldo to be the hero for Portugal, but it was his club team-mate who took the glory to book the 37-year-old's place at his fifth World Cup. And after the match, he appeared to be overjoyed as he sent a message on social media.
Alongside a picture of the whole Portugal setup, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram : "Goal achieved, we're at the Qatar World Cup, we're in our rightful place! Thank you to all the Portuguese for the tireless support! Power Portugal!"
Ronaldo's best finish at a World Cup came in 2006 when Portugal reached the semi-finals in Germany, losing to eventual winners France and then hosts Germany in the third place play-off.
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But Portugal boss Fernando Santos is clearly dreaming big in what is sure to be Ronaldo's final World Cup as a player. Santos has guided Portugal to Euro 2016 and 2019 Nations League success during his time in charge.
"I have already won two competitions and I hope I can win the third one in Qatar," he said. "There was a spirit of mutual help and great support from the public.
"It was a deserved and fair win and qualification. I don’t remember any great goalscoring situations for their team."
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes played down his own performance against North Macedonia, insisting qualification was all that he was thinking about.
“I don’t care about individual accomplishments but this display will be one to remember because it helped my country to reach a World Cup,” Fernandes told reporters.
Portugal had beaten Turkey last Thursday to reach the final round of the play-offs, having been surprisingly edged out of the only automatic place by Serbia in the group stages.
