Relief for the Portuguese, led by Ronaldo. But the conquerors of Italy must not underestimate

When the fans of Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo saw the draw for the barrage, they were quite horrified. In the final, the Southern Europeans were to face the fresh European champions Italy. But that hurdle fell away as Squadra Azzura fell to North Macedonia. But even that is a warning to the Portuguese.

Apparently every football fan, even those who don’t completely hate Cristiano Ronaldo, wants to see him at the World Cup. The best of the best are set to compete in Qatar and the absence of one of the best footballers in history would be a huge shock.

And the idea has taken on real shape. For Portugal lost their last game to Serbia by a last minute goal, thus advancing at the expense of Ronaldo and co. The Portuguese had to go to the barrage, where two difficult obstacles awaited them: Turkey and, in the final, probably Italy.

It was the recent European champion who was a source of great fear, having come to the Euro in impressive fashion to claim the trophy, and it was expected that Portugal, built on individuality but without a functioning game system, would not be enough for Italy.

But in the end, Portugal may not even face Roberto Mancini’s total. Turkey were eliminated after a 3-1 win and will play for a ticket to Qatar against the North Macedonians, who notably eliminated Italy in the last minute.

Everyone on the Iberian Peninsula was very relieved not to have to face Italy. But beware, North Macedonia, as they proved on Thursday night, are not an opponent to underestimate.

The Macedonians finished second in the qualification ahead of Romania, Armenia and Iceland. They even beat Germany 2-1 on its home soil, and made it to last year’s EURO. And now they’ve knocked out Italy.

For the Portuguese, this is undoubtedly a more viable opponent than Italy. But they are not to be underestimated. Considering this would be the last World Cup for Ronaldo, it would be great to see him in Qatar.

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