FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers: Portugal get shocked as Spain and Croatia qualify for next years World Cup

(Football news) Portugal suffered a massive dent in their hopes to qualify for Qatar 2022 as they lost 2-1 against Serbia. With this loss, Ronaldo and co will head into the March playoffs with the other group runner ups in a bid to reach the World Cup next year. In the first half, Portugal got off to a dream start as Renato Sanches scored within the first 2 minutes after Bernardo Silva robbed Nemanja Gudelj off the ball at the edge of the box and fed the ball to Sanches who drove past Rajkovic from 15 metres. However, the lead did not last for too long as Tadic’s deflected shot from 20 metres was spilled by Patrico’s in the 33rd minute. The story of the second was completely different, both the sides looked cagey as second half substitute Mitrovic had the last laugh after he rose highest to meet Tadic’s cross from the right to score one of the most important goal in Serbian football history.

Dragan Stojkovic after the match said, “We came here to play football and having been the better side, we earned it all. We are reaping the rewards of hard work and the belief that we would be able to defy the odds and beat Portugal. We are overjoyed, for our country and the people first and foremost. We deserved to win tonight as the lads showed so much character. This is a massive accomplishment for Serbian football. The team showed maturity and composure under the most intense pressure and I would have said the same thing if it had stayed 1-1 and we got confined to the playoffs."

When asked about the World Cup playoffs, Santos said, “It looked like it was going to be, but it wasn't. We scored the goal, we had the initial moments. But then we started to drop deep. The players tried. But then we didn't turn the game on. Every time we did, we created problems. But most of the time we couldn't. Serbia were better. We tried. Our DNA is to have the ball on our feet and play. Bernardo Silva wanted the ball, but he was the only one. We played with fear and anxiety. It's my responsibility. We'll be in Qatar. We know we didn't do what we should, but we'll be there. We've always played to win and think about the offensive moment. But it doesn't always turn out as we want. And it's my responsibility."

Spain confirmed their place in Qatar next year with a 1-0 victory over Sweden, Luis Enrique’s side knew that a point would have been enough for them to qualify but the pressure on La Roja was a lot. Spain as usual started dominating possession but without making proper inroads at Robin Olsen’s goal, on the other hand Sweden were sitting back and playing on the counter. The Swedes created the best opportunities through Emil Forsberg and Alexander Isak on the counter attacks. It looked like the game would head for a draw but when Dani Olmo’s stunning strike rebounded off the woodwork, Morata calmly slotted the ball into the net. It will be Spain's 16th appearance in 22 World Cups and the last time they failed to qualify was in 1974.

“We knew it was a life and death situation and we wanted to qualify at any cost. Nobody said it was going to be easy and I'm happy for our people," Sergio Busquets told reporters.

Luis Enrique after the match said, “I have taken off a 100 kilo backpack. I have felt more pressure in this qualifying phase than in the Euros or the ‘Final Four’ of the Nations League, I have taken a great weight off my shoulders. I am focused on having a good World Cup and I know that if a coach does not win, he receives criticism. This is how this wonderful circus of football can be and I accept it. When there is salsa, we dance salsa. And when it’s time to dance pegaditos, we do that. What really motivates me is seeing the response of the players and of all the people who are part of the Federation.”

The 2018 runners up Croatia qualified for the World next year after a narrow 1-0 victory over Russia. A late own goal from Fyodor Kudryashov saw Croatia leapfrog Russia in Group H on the last matchday. Germany finished off their qualification campaign in style after a 4-1 victory over Armenia. Goals from Havertz, two from Gundogan and Hofmann were enough to secure the three points for them, With this result Germany finished with 27 points, eleven clear of North Macedonia.

Also read: FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers: England overwhelm Albania as Italy held to an unwanted against Switzerland

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