(Football news) Portugal have had the worst possible luck in the World Cup qualifiers. It all started one year ago when Portugal's qualifier game against Serbia was tied at 2-2. Ronaldo scored the winner in stoppage time where the ball had clearly crossed the line but the linesmen didn't spot it and in the absence of goal-line technology, the goal wasn't given. 

Portugal then won all their matches until the penultimate one against Ireland which ended in a goalless draw. In the last game against Serbia, Portugal needed a draw to achieve direct qualification but Alexander Mitrovic scored a last minute winner. Portugal now have a tough challenge of the playoffs where they have to beat Turkey first and if they manage to do that they have to play one of Italy and North Macedonia for a spot in the Qatar World Cup. Turkey on the other hand narrowly edged Norway to finish behind Netherlands in their group. 

Qatar 2022 was touted to be Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup campaign but as things stand his country may not even qualify for it. Portugal will be without Nelson Semedo, Renato Sanchez, Ruben Neves and Ruben Diaz who are injured while Pepe is out due to COVID-19 and Joao Cancelo is suspended for the game against Turkey but will be available if Portugal qualify for the next one. Portugal are very understaffed as their two first choice center backs and right backs along with two midfielders are unavailable. Turkey have all their players available but will have a difficult task of playing in away conditions. 

Portugal Possible Starting XI:

Rui Patrício; Rafael Guerreiro, José Fonte, Gonçalo Inácio, Diogo Dalot; Danilo Pereira, Bruno Fernandes, João Moutinho; Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Turkey Possible Playing XI:

Uğurcan Çakır; Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Caglar Soyuncu, Ridvan Yilmaz; Abdülkadir Ömür, Hakan Calhanoglu, Dorukhan Toköz, Kerem Aktürkoğlu; Burak Yilmaz, Cengiz Ünder

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