Portugal conceded a last minute goal against Serbia to see them drop down from first to second in their World Cup qualification group.
The final ranking means Portugal must go through the play-offs to reach World Cup 2022. Only three of 12 teams will make it.
Ronaldo’s World Cup 2022 dream is still possible, he will just have to get there the hard way.
Portugal reacts
Newspaper Observador noted, ‘Cristiano Ronaldo was beyond angry with Mitrovic’s goal’.
A Bola praised Bruno Fernandes for improving the team when he came off the bench, but admitted: “A defeat that turns out to be justified. Despite the best Portuguese arguments, Serbia was the best team.”
Midfielder Joao Palhinha told O Jogo: “We’re very sad, the dressing room is on its knees.”
Ronaldo’s complaint
Ronaldo was feeling bitter after the defeat because he still remembers the first game between the two teams.
He had a goal disallowed in the first game between the two teams which the referees did not spot had gone over the line. The game ended a 2-2 draw instead of a 3-2 to Portugal.
Portugal boss Fernando Santos said after the game that Ronaldo was still talking about it.
Speaking about their conversation at the final whistle, Santos told Mais Futebol: “He was talking about the last-minute goal that didn’t count [ndr: in Serbia in the first game]. It was his outburst and it’s normal. He was as frustrated as I was.”
Back in March Serbia star Nemanja Matic posted a doctored photo of the shot on Bruno Fernandes’ locker.
It’s unlikely Ronaldo would see the funny side right now if Matic tried the same.
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