Cristiano Ronaldo claimed Portugal is in their “rightful place” after Fernando Santos’ team secured their place at the 2022 World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes scored both goals in a 2-0 win over North Macedonia in Porto on Tuesday, ensuring Portugal’s qualifying for every World Cup since the turn of the century continued.
After finishing behind Serbia in their qualification group, Portugal had to get through two playoff games to reach Qatar.
But it does mean Italy are the only true European footballing heavyweight that will not be featuring in the tournament later this year.
Barring injury, Manchester United forward Ronaldo will be featuring at his fifth World Cup, equalling the record shared by Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Marquez, Lothar Matthaus, and Gianluigi Buffon latter did not play in the 1998 tournament despite making Italy’s squad.
“Goal achieved, we are at the Qatar World Cup, we are in our rightful place!” Ronaldo wrote in a post on his official Instagram account shortly after the match.
“Thank you to all the Portuguese for your tireless support! Go Portugal!”
Ronaldo teed up Fernandes’ opener in the 32nd minute, with the 37-year-old’s club-mate slotting in from Diogo Jota’s cross midway through the second half to wrap up the win.
Fernandes told reporters when asked about his performance:
“It doesn’t matter at all. It’s vital to help the team. I’m not here to score goals.
“If I can score, I’d be happy to. That’s what I did today. Then it’s up to everyone to give their criticism and opinion.
“But I keep my mind on the coach’s ideas, and that’s probably why I’ve had this double for doing what the coach asks of me.”
Fernandes added, “It will be in a particular place on qualifying. The objective has been achieved, which is the most important thing.
“I think Portugal has played better, we’ve had better performances, but this game made a difference because it qualified us.”
