Manchester United midfielder Fred has revealed that team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is “upset” about Portugal’s failure to directly qualify for this year’s World Cup.
Portugal missed out on automatic qualification after losing their final ‘winner takes all’ group game 2-1 to Serbia in November.
Fernando Santos’ side looked on track to book their place in Qatar before Fulham’s towering striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the winner in the 90th minute, which meant Serbia leapfrogged Portugal and qualified as group winners.
In order for Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot to book their place at the World Cup which starts in November, they will have to qualify via the play-offs.
Portugal will face Turkey in a semi-final play-off match in March and if they win that clash they will face either the European Championship winners Italy or North Macedonia in a straight shoot-out to decide who qualifies for Qatar.
It means that the World Cup is guaranteed to be missing either Portugal or Italy.
Frustrated that his beloved Portugal have not already booked their place at the World Cup, Fred declared that Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, is aggrieved that his side are having to go down the play-off route.
Speaking to Eurosport about Ronaldo’s frustrations, Fred said: “We talk a little bit about this. Of course he’s very upset about not qualifying directly for the World Cup.
“But, as a great player and as their captain, he knows how to prepare his team-mates in order to qualify.
“Obviously, he was very upset but he will work hard to be at the World Cup.
“Everybody knows that he wants to win everything, every time. So rest assured he will work hard to be at this World Cup.”
Ronaldo has practically won everything there is to win at club level and after winning the European Championships in 2016, the World Cup is the only trophy missing from his stacked resume.
There is no denying Ronaldo’s longevity, but with him turning 37 next week, he will be 41 by the time the 2026 World Cup commences.
You wouldn’t rule out Cristiano Ronaldo featuring in the 2026 tournament which will be held in North America, but this year could be last realistic chance of getting his hands on the biggest prize in football.
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