Cristiano Ronaldo speaks out on Portugal’s World Cup qualification setback

Add as preferred source on Google

Portugal are down but not out, after suffering a devastating World Cup setback.

A 2-1 home loss to Serbia saw them finish second in their group and now they must work their way through the play-offs.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to add to his tally of 115 international goals in matches against Ireland and Serbia, making it an entirely unproductive break for him.

He was visibly upset after the defeat after Serbia scored an injury-time winner. A draw would have been enough for Portugal.

Ronaldo is putting a brave face on it this morning, and is rallying his country to bounce back.

Play-offs ahead

Portugal must now win a play-off semi-final and final in order to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

This is not the situation Ronaldo or teammates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot had envisioned heading into the weekend.

The play-off draw will take place at the end of this month, with the games to be played in March.

Portugal lost just one game out of eight matches in their qualification group.

They were just outdone by an impressive Serbia side which went unbeaten throughout.

Ronaldo was unhappy about the defeat as he had a late winner against Serbia disallowed back in March.

For a player who said he was so happy to be back with Portugal, amid a stretch of Manchester United misery, it seems there is no escape for Ronaldo right now.

Fortunately he will get another chance next year to put Portugal’s setback right.

• Man Utd are looking to ensure that 2026’s biggest priority is no longer a transfer problem in 2031
• After Ruben Amorim tried to kill it, Man Utd’s attacking DNA is returning with seven exciting wingers
• Every Man Utd player with a connection to Inter Miami after Casemiro deal
• Man Utd signing Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga now relies on a Man City decision
• Man Utd’s disregard for loyal fans proves Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs were right
• Manchester United’s blue 26/27 away kit is a good omen for winning European trophies
• Who is Karim Cassim? Man Utd sign JJ Gabriel’s England youth international teammate
• Three players can make their first Man Utd appearance vs Rosenborg, JJ Gabriel leads the way
• Manchester United fans send message to Ineos after £4m Tynan Thompson deal is confirmed
• Who is David Eze? Man Utd’s new wonderkid signing who snubbed Arsenal and was poached from Man City
• Warren Zaire-Emery has already called one Man Utd player ‘great’ amid rumours he could join Michael Carrick