Bruno Fernandes grabbed a brace as Portugal beat North Macedonia on Tuesday night to book their place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Macedonia who had shocked Italy in the previous round thought they would repeat the same heroics but they found themselves a goal down after 32 minutes when Fernandes combined with his Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to open the scoring proceedings.
RONALDO SETS UP FERNANDES!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 29, 2022
PORTUGAL LEAD OVER NORTH MACEDONIA 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/VzJHLIZE5D
Bruno was to double his and Portugal's lead five minutes after the hour mark after he got on the end of a Diogo Jota cross and volleyed home from close range.
In another qualifier of the night, Victor Lindelof and his Sweden team will have to watch the World Cup showpiece from home following their 2-0 loss to Poland.
Zieliński punishes Sweden for their blunder!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 29, 2022
As it stands, Poland are through to the World Cup 🇵🇱
(@espnplus) pic.twitter.com/axdt4gWUAn
After a goalless first half, Robert Lewandowski grabbed the oper from the penalty spot after Gregorz Krychowiak was fouled inside the area. And the hosts doubled their advantage in 73 minutes as Piotr Zielinski capitalized on a defensive error and finished brilliantly.
The next World Cup slot reserved for Wales v Scotland or Ukraine will take place during the next international break in June.