by Dokubo - Nov 14, 2021
FT: Portugal 1 - 2 Serbia
Serbia has qualified for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup in grand style. For the first time in their footballing history, Serbia beat Portugal in their own backyard to claim top spot in the group and book their place in Football's grand event next year. The defeat condemned Portugal to a second-place finish in the group. This means that Portugal will have to go through the hassle of the Play-Offs if they're to secure a place in next year's FIFA World Cup.
Highlights Of The Game
Portugal took an early lead just 2 minutes into the game from a Renato Sanchez cool finish but failed to build on their impressive start to the game. This allowed Serbia to slowly build momentum which resulted in them grabbing an equaliser in the 33rd minute. A Dusan Tadïc strike slightly deflected off Danilo forcing the Portuguese goalie Rio Patricio to fumble with the ball into the back of his own goal. A moment for him to forget on the day he celebrated his 100 Caps for the Selecào.
Serbia went on to control the game as they kept knocking and searching for that all-important winning goal. Aleksandr Mitrovic popped up in the 90th minute to head home from Dusan Tadic's pinpoint cross. 2 - 1 Serbia.
As the commentator said, Mitrovic redeemed himself after he'd missed the last spot kick that ensured Serbia didn't qualify for EURO 2020.
Conclusion
Serbia deserved the victory as they showed more desire to win. Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portuguese company may well make it to Qatar, but they will have to navigate through the one-legged semi-final and final of the Play-Off round.
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