Portugal vs. North Macedonia - Football Match Report - March 29, 2022 - ESPN

Bruno Fernandes grabbed a brace as Portugal secured a 2-0 victory over North Macedonia on Tuesday to qualify for the 2022 World Cup finals.

The Manchester United midfielder scored a goal in each half as Portugal booked their place to Qatar later this year.

— Top seeds confirmed for World Cup finals draw

The result sees Portugal qualify for the World Cup for a sixth consecutive time. It is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo's last for his country although he dismissed reports of retirement before the playoff.

Macedonia were unable to replicate their shock win over European champions Italy but gave a good account of themselves throughout the 90 minutes.

«This win will remain in a special place for me because we have achieved our aim,» Fernandes said in his postmatch interview. «That was the most important thing. I think Portugal played better.

»We've had better performances, but this is one of the highlights because it guarantees access to the World Cup.

«The important thing is to help the team. I'm not here to score, I'm here to help. If I can help with goals, I'm happy to do so. Any player likes to score. But the main aim is to help however I can. That's what I did and what I have done in the past.»

Portugal took the lead after 22 minutes when Fernandes intercepted a poor pass in midfield and exchanged passes with Ronaldo before producing a fine finish into the corner.

Portugal controlled the match from that moment and doubled their lead in the second half after 65 minutes when Fernandes got on the end of a fine counter attack to convert from close range.

Roared on by 50,000 fans at a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start but struggled to break down the strong North Macedonian defence,