Portugal vs North Macedonia: Bruno Fernandes Scores Brace to Send Ronaldo and Co. to The World Cup

Portugal vs North Macedonia: Bruno Fernandes Scores Brace to Send Ronaldo and Co. to The World Cup

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:59 PM
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International
  • Portugal vs North Macedonia World Cup qualifier ended in a 2-0 win for the Seelcao at the Estadio do Dragao
  • Bruno Fernandes was Portugal's match hero as he scored a brace to send his country to the 2022 World Cup
  • This is the sixth time in a row that the 2016 Euro champions have qualified for the global football tournament

Portugal have earned their ticket for the 2022 edition of the World Cup.

The 2016 Euro winners booked their place in the global showpiece after they sunk North Macedonia 2-0 in their World Cup qualifier final played on Tuesday night, March 29, at Estadio do Dragao.

Bruno Fernandes celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring a goal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Play-Off match between Portugal and North Macedonia. Photo by Gualter Fatia.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring a goal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Play-Off match between Portugal and North Macedonia. Photo by Gualter Fatia.
Source: Getty Images

Portugal were subjected to the rigorous qualification journey after they finished second in Group A of the European qualifiers won by Serbia.

Portugal's journey to World Cup qualification

The Selecao initially had to play Turkey in the semi-final last Thursday, March 24, an encounter they won 3-1.

Otavio, Matheus Nunes, and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota were all on target during the clash, with the victory earning them a date with North Macedonia.

On their part, North Macedonia had to overcome reigning European champions, Italy, in their own fixture to set up a meeting with Portugal.

Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo combine to send Portugal to Qatar

However, Portugal, who were the hosts of the crunch tie showed no signs of struggle as they eased past Milevski's men.

Bruno Fernandes was the man of the moment for the home side as he struck a perfect combination with Cristiano Ronaldo to score an incredible brace to send Portugal to Qatar.

Portugal were rightfully the dominant side from the blow of the whistle and made their effort count in the 32nd minute when Fernandes scored the opener after he was set up by Ronaldo.

The United playmaker doubled the advantage in the 65th minute, slamming the ball home past Dimitrievski with power to make it 2-0.

The two goals were enough to earn the home side a deserved win as they qualified for the World Cup for the sixth time in a row.

Senegal sink Egypt to qualify for 2022 World Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Sadio Mané scored the winner as Senegal defeated Egypt once again in a thrilling penalty shootout.

The match was level at full time as Senegal won the second leg encounter 1-0 thanks to a Boulaye Dia goal.

Mohamed Salah missed his penalty and had to watch his Liverpool teammate score his to give Senegal the win and earn a place in the 2022 World Cup.

Authors
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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.