Ronaldo: ‘Portugal is in the right position’
PortugalAccording to striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal fully deserves to be at the 2022 World Cup after defeating North Macedonia 2-0 in the play-off final on the evening of March 29.
“We have accomplished our goal and will be attending the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Portugal is in the right place. Thank you to all the Portuguese fans for their tireless support. Go forward Portugal. !”, Ronaldo write on Facebookposted with a photo celebrating the victory with teammates after the match at Dragao.
With the play-off round, Portugal entered the first seed group when FIFA drew the 2022 World Cup grouping in Doha, Qatar on April 1. Thanks to that, they can avoid clashing with strong opponents such as Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, France, and Spain right from the group stage.
Ronaldo and members of the Portuguese team celebrate tickets to the World Cup at Dragao Stadium on March 29. Photo: Selecao Portugal
Yesterday, Ronaldo kicked the full 90 minutes, launched three shots and assisted to Bruno Fernandes open the score. This is the second time that the captain, the captain, has prepared a table for Fernandes to score in Portugal teamafter the first one 1,391 days ago.
At the age of 37, Ronaldo will attend the World Cup for the fifth time, if he reaches his best condition later this year. The Man Utd striker has scored in all four previous World Cups, in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, with a total of seven goals.
In addition, Ronaldo also opened fire at all five Euros, from 2004 to 2020, with a total of 14 goals. He is currently the top scorer in the tournament’s history. If he continues to score in the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo will become the first player to score in ten consecutive major national tournaments, including the World Cup, Euro, Africa Cup and Copa America.
Ronaldo in a dispute with the North Macedonia goalkeeper during the play-off final at Dragao Stadium, Porto on March 29. Photo: AP
Sharing Ronaldo’s views, veteran midfielder Pepe said: “I feel honored to be part of the Portuguese team and spend this wonderful night. It would be unfair for Portugal to be absent from the World Cup. We are humble on the field, and bring victory to the Portuguese people.”
After missing the semi-final against Turkey, Pepe returned to the starting line-up for the decisive match meet North Macedonia. At 39 years old, Pepe is still the first choice in the center of Portugal. The Porto captain played for the national team 140 matches. Of Pepe’s seven absences, Portugal have lost points three times, with two of those being defeats to France and Serbia in World Cup qualifying.
Pepe believes he can keep fit and in shape to continue to participate in Qatar. He said: “I try to convey my excitement to my teammates. I am 39 years old, but I still have the same ambition as when I was 15, 18 or 20 years old. There is still a long way to go before the World Cup. “I’m going to focus on club games. At my age, I just focus on each game. If I’m fit and in top shape, of course I want to help Portugal.”
When asked about Portugal’s ability to win the 2022 World Cup, the former Real Madrid midfielder emphasized: “I think, any team can dream. Portugal currently has many quality players. To do it That said, we have to train hard and stay mentally strong, like we did to win the Euros and the Nations League. We have many players with potential, and can dream. But let’s be humble and Prepare well”.
Main developments of the match Portugal 2-0 North Macedonia.
Hong Duy (according to A Bola)
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