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Cristiano Ronaldo's Portuguese only has to go through the playoffs
Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP
The Serbian national soccer team qualified directly for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar thanks to a last-minute goal. At the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Aleksandar Mitrović headed the goal in the 90th minute to make it 2-1 (1-1) against Portugal with superstar and captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Ex-Bayern professional Renato Sanches had given the Portuguese an early lead (2nd minute). Then the Serbs got stronger and stronger, came to an equalizer thanks to a goalkeeping error by Rui Patrício through Dušan Tadić (33rd) and won in the end deservedly.
In qualifying group A, Serbia overtook Portugal with the victory and is allowed to plan for the World Cup as group winners.
The Portuguese, on the other hand, must continue to tremble about participating in the finals: For them it will go into the playoff round next March, in which the ten runners-up and the two best, not yet qualified group winners of the Nations League, the other three World Cup participants from Europe play off.
Spain and Croatia narrowly win playoffs
The Portuguese's Iberian neighbor, however, is sure to be there: With a 1-0 (0-0) win over Sweden, Spain made everything clear in Group B, Juventus attacker Álvaro Morata decided the game with a late goal (86th).
As a playoff participant, the Swedes can still hope to qualify.
In Group H there was also a direct duel for first place, in the constant rain of Split, Vice World Champion Croatia had the better end for themselves.
An own goal by Fedor Kudryashov (81st) against Russia ensured a narrow 1-0 (0-0) victory and the safe participation of Croatia in the World Cup tournament.
cev / dpa
