Portugal 2-0 North Macedonia: Bruno Fernandes brace ensures FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 spot

Portugal have qualified for the 2022 World Cup later this year in Qatar, beating North Macedonia in the final of their qualifying path. A brace from Bruno Fernandes was enough to dispatch the Lions and seal their spot in the tournament. 

Fernando Santos’ side has never missed out on qualification this century. And as a result, they have been able to maintain their record by qualifying for the 2022 edition. 

Portugal qualify for the 2022 World Cup by beating North Macedonia 

The away side started off strong, putting pressure on Portugal. But, their intensity faded out quickly with Cristiano Ronaldo and co growing into the game thereafter. He had the best chance of the first half in the opening few minutes, but his left-footed effort swerved past the post. 

That wouldn’t matter shortly after, though, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner assisting his Manchester United teammate for the opener. Fernandes would be on the scoresheet once more, getting on the end of a cross from Diogo Jota and converting from close range to effectively seal the win. 

Portugal will be joined by Poland as the second of three teams to make it to the World Cup. Goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski helped them beat Sweden 2-0 and qualify for the winter World Cup. 

The draw for the competition will be held soon, with both teams now waiting to find out who they will be facing when the grandest competition in football comes around.