It was supposed to be one of those nights we (Portugal fans) get to drink some wine, crack some jokes and go to bed with utmost delight but unfortunately, the celebration was put on hold.
It was a do-or-die encounter with Portugal knowing just a point will secure them automatic qualification for the Qatar 2022 world cup. The Portugual team went into the match with full dedication and rhythm, evidenced by their going ahead as early as 2 minutes but that early goal would turn out to be dreadful as it looked to have come too early for the hosts.
Renato Sanchez who was brought in place of the dropped Bruno Fernandes put Portugal ahead after just two minutes of play, latching onto a loose ball in the 18 yard box.
Portugal appeared to lose the momentum they started with and allowed Serbia to hit them hard minute after minute. Thumbs up to the Serbian team with their well positioning and tenacity that nullified any kind of threat Portugal seem to muster.
Serbia would equalize in the first half after a woeful error from Portugal's goalie Rui Patricio, poorly handling a Dusan Tadic's deflected shot.
Portugal were left to further rue their complacency and lack of cohesiveness and luck after Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in the winner for Serbia after coming off the bench.
Portugal's hope of qualifying for next years world cup now hangs by a thread, with the play-offs coming up next year their only chance of making it.
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