Portugal have secured their spot at the 2022 World Cup courtesy of a 2-0 victory over North Macedonia in Porto.
The Fernando Santos’s side overcame Republic of Turkey in last week’s playoff semi-final to advance to this stage.
North Macedonia shocked Italy in the last four to move to within one victory of qualification.
Portugal will be present at this year’s finals, though, as a double from Bruno Fernandes separated the two teams at Estadio do Dragao.
Cristiano Ronaldo came close to opening the scoring in the 14th minute of the contest, but the attacker’s left-footed effort flashed just wide of the far post in a let off for North Macedonia.
The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute, as Ronaldo, following a mistake from Stefan Ristovski, set up Manchester United teammate Fernandes, with the latter sweeping the ball into the back of the net.
Diogo Jota had an opportunity to double the home side’s advantage moments before the interval, but the Liverpool forward’s effort was just the wrong side of the post.
Fernandes made it 2-0 to Portugal in the 65th minute, though, when the Manchester United playmaker expertly finished from close range after being picked out by Jota.
North Macedonia never threatened to make it an uncomfortable conclusion for the home side, who were worthy winners on the evening to advance to the finals in Qatar.
