Portugal was able to keep their World Cup hopes afloat after they defeated Turkey by 3-1 in the semifinal of the playoffs. Otávio Edmilson da Silva Monteiro scored in the 15th minute of the game to give Fernando Santos’ team the crucial lead. Subsequently, Liverpool star Diogo Jota scored the second goal for Seleção in the 42nd minute.

But, Turkey were able to bounce back in the contest as Burak Yilmaz found the back of the net in the 65th minute. However, Matheus Nunes put the match to bed as he scored in the stoppage time to help his team move into the final.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was delighted with the team’s performance but he is wary of the challenge that lays ahead. The talisman wants his team to shift their focus on their next match against North Macedonia, which will help them book their berth for the Winter FIFA World Cup 2022.

Ronaldo doesn’t want to take opponents lightly as North Macedonia stunned Italy by 1-0 in the other semifinal. The Manchester United star stated that team has taken the first step towards their bigger goal, which is the 2022 World Cup.

Ronaldo wrote on his Twitter post, “The first step has been taken towards our great objective, towards the 2022 World Cup. Nothing is won, nothing is achieved. We have to continue to work in a serious and focused way, respecting the opponent but always believing in our abilities. Power Portugal! Go to Qatar!” (translated from Portuguese.)

Portugal will want to be at their best against North Macedonia in order to qualify for the World Cup. This could well be Ronaldo’s final World Cup and he wouldn’t want to miss out on the quadrennial showpiece.