Is the Serbian sensation making wrinkles on the foreheads of Czech fans? How do they react to a possible barrage clash with Cristiano Ronaldo?

The European qualifying groups for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are heading into their final round! The star-studded Portugal, lauded by the media, was considered the clear favourite ahead of their match against Serbia. But the Balkan side sent Portugal’s stars, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, to the barrage! Now, there is a serious risk that if the Czech national team ends up as an unseeded team, they could face the Portuguese in the World Cup play-offs.

Group A had a small final in the last round. Portugal hosted Serbia and both teams had the same number of points before the match. Experts and the world media, however, did not count on the Serbs at all, and the betting was mainly on the “Ronaldo effect”.

But Cristiano Ronaldo did not score in the match. This is the first time in the history of the World Cup qualifying groups that this has happened to him.

The home team Portugal started the game well and took the lead in the 2nd minute of the match. Serbia equalised in the 33rd minute, after a huge mistake by goalkeeper Ruia Patricio, Dusan Tadic scored. However, with a draw, Portugal would still advance from first place.

But then came the 90th minute and Serbian euphoria! Tadic’s fantastic centre found the head of substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored arguably the most important goal of his career.

Interestingly, Portugal lost only their second World Cup qualifier on home soil since 1993. The last time was Denmark in 2008! The Danes managed to turn the result from 1: 2 to the final 3: 2 in the last minutes, scoring goals in the 90th and 92nd minutes.

The reaction of the Czech fans

The whole discussion was started by a tweet from Jan Podrouzek, a seasoned football journalist. He summed up who the Czech national team can get if they remain unseeded.

“The only unplayable team is Portugal. And frankly, even Portugal under Santos is not exactly scary. Anyway, it will depend on the form of the players, injuries, etc. It’s a one-game game where anything can happen. But with this defeatist mood we have no chance against anyone, that’s a fact,” the Czech fan reacted.

“Like at the Euros we knocked out the Netherlands, after this game I believe we can play against anyone. I’m just afraid of Šilhavy and Boril,” wrote another.

Czech fans more or less agree that Russia could be the most acceptable opponent. It lost the last qualifying match in Croatia 1: 0, but on shots it was 19: 2 for the home Croats.

Sources: Jan Podrouzek, Livesport, Squawka Football, Gracenote Live