Portugal are set to face North Macedonia in their final qualifier ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo’s team is considered the favourite heading into the game, but it would be unwise to count their opponents out.
That is especially true given that they eliminated Euro 2020 winners Italy to make it to the finals of the competition. The Azzurri will be missing consecutive editions of the World Cup for the first time in their history, and they could pull off an upset victory once more.
Cristiano Ronaldo on his future ahead of final qualifier
Ahead of the final, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about the pressure heading into the game. He also acknowledged his opponents, who were not expected to make it past Italy:
“There is always pressure. We are all prepared. We really wanted to play in this final. If North Macedonia are here, it is because they deserve to be.”
He was also asked about his future, and how much longer he would continue to play for club and country. The 37-year-old set the record straight with a direct answer about his future:
“I’m already beginning to see the same question many times. I am the one who will decide my future, nobody else. If I feel like playing more, I’ll play. If not, I don’t play. I’m in charge, period.”
Given his age, Ronaldo could be heading into the final World Cup of his career. And with talent present in every position, they can be considered one of the top teams in the competition to go ahead and win it – if they are able to move past North Macedonia.
