Portugal vs North Macedonia for place in the World Cup 2022

Portugal meet North Macedonia in a bid to play at the world cup 2022.

Portugal played an exhilarating contest at the Estadio Do Dragao against Turkey in world cup qualifiers. The home team won 3-1 in an entertaining match.

Many eyebrows were raised when Otavio was chosen to start such a crucial tie. But, he paid off his managers faith by having 2 telling goal contributions to help Portugal through.

Otavio tucked his shot in, after Bernardo Silva’s shot cannoned off the post. Otavio then turn provider as he found Liverpool forward Diogo Jota in space.

His far post cross was well finished by Diogo Jota at the near post.

Even though it was an open match, Portugal dominated the first half to get a deserved 2-0 lead.

The second half started in the same manner.

Portugal had 2 very good chances but failed to capitalize.

But just after the hour mark, Turkey equalised.

After a brilliant 1-2 wuth Cengiz Under, 36 year old Burak Yilmaz side footed his shot into the net.

Yilmaz has 9 goal contributions in 10 games for Turkey in the WC qualifiers.

Turkey started to take control after the goal. Substitutions helped them too.

Enes Unal was caught on the foot in the penalty box, but referee waived away the appeals.

But, VAR asked the referee to check the pitch side monitor.

On viewing, the referee changed his decision and gave a spot kick to Turkey.
Burak Yilmaz who had already scored past Diego Costa, stepped up.

The 36 year old blazed his penalty over the bar. A huge chance to get back on level terms, missed.

Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes came on and had an immediate impact. He linked up with fellow substitute Raphael Leao to win the tie for Portugal.

A thrilling encounter between the two teams ended with a win for the home side.

Both teams had chances to punish the other but, Portugal had the calmness when it mattered to go past Turkey.

This win helped Fernando Santos’s men set up an interesting clash vs North Macedonia.

Also read: https://www.sportstrumpet.com/italy-will-take-no-part-in-the-world-cup-in-qatar/

North Macedonia pulled off one of the biggest upsets as they beat Italy in Palermo.