Portugal had hoped to open the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with a perfect balance in the first two rounds, and for many minutes tonight (Saturday) it looked like it was on its way there, but a wonderful second half from Serbia, plus a very lukewarm ability from Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates, allowed the Balkan fighting side to double back. To 2: 2 in Belgrade.
Just a few days ago, the European champion received quite a bit of criticism in her country, after achieving an unconvincing 0-1 victory against Azerbaijan in the opening round, which came in the wake of an own goal. For today’s game, coach Fernando Santos tried to slightly change his lineup when he brought Bruno Fernandez back to 11, but his players were again disappointed and this time also lost two precious points.
Ronaldo, who was not at his best in the game, saw Diego Jote, his teammate at the front, score twice during the first half with a pair of successful shots and give Portugal a promising advantage in the relegation to the locker rooms. On the other hand, Dragon Stojkovic’s trainees were unwilling to give up. Alexander Mitrovic shrank a few seconds from the start of the second half and in the 60th minute the scoreboard already showed 2: 2, this after Philip Kostic found the net after a fatal outburst by the Serbs.
The vehicles
Serbia: Marko Dmitrovic, Strahinia Pavlovic, Stefan Mitrovic, Nikola Milankovic, Philip Kostic (Mikhailo Ristic, 72), Nemanja Size, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Drako Lazovic (Nemanja Maximovic, 46), Dusan Tadic (Philip Doricic, 82), Alexander Mitrovic, Dusan Valahovic (Nemanja Radonic, 46).
Portugal: Anthony Lopez, Joao Canslow (Nano Mendes, 72), Ruben Diaz, Jose Ponte, Cedric Suarez, Bruno Fernandez, Sergio Oliveira (Renato Sanchez, 72), Danilo, Bernardo Silva, Diego Jueta (Z) ‘Wow Felix, 86), Cristiano Ronaldand.
the progress of the game
Minute 8, first threat in the game: Bernardo penetrated the field in a great personal move, handed back to Ronaldo and the big star tried to score with a close-range kick, but the ball was inaccurate.
11 minutes, 0: 1 to Portugal! Ronaldo left a great ball to Bernardo, the knot lifted great towards the center of the extension and found the head of Juta, who infiltrated behind the entire defense and scored with a shot.
36 minutes, 0: 2 to Portugal! Defender Cedric picked up a great ball towards Juta, who is once again free in the box and completed a double in the game with a successful second shot.
46 minutes, Serbia shrank to 2: 1! Already at the start of the second half, substitute Radonic provided Mitorovic with a comfortable strike, and the striker was not confused and sent the ball into the net.
60 minutes, Serbia back to 2: 2! The comeback is complete! A perfect outburst from the hosts came at the foot of Kostic, who subdued Lopez with a smart ball to the corner.
