(Football news) Portugal have been a victim of bad luck in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. About a year ago in Portugal's qualifier game against Serbia, the score was level at 2-2.  Ronaldo scored what was a clear stoppage time winner as the ball had crossed the goal line but the linesmen didn't spot it and in the absence of goal-line technology, the goal wasn't given. Ronaldo furiously walked out of the field and threw away his captain's armband. 

After that Portugal won all their matches until the 2nd last one against Ireland which ended in a 0-0 draw. In their last game against Serbia, they only needed a draw to achieve direct qualification but Alexander Mitrovic's last minute winner pushed them to 2nd place. Portugal now have a very difficult task of the playoffs where they have to overcome Turkey and one of Italy and North Macedonia for a spot in the Qatar World Cup.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has said that his team is used to dealing with pressure situations as they have won 2 out of 2 major finals they have played in. Playoffs of the World Cup isn't really a new thing as they had to go through the playoffs to book their place for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. They defeated Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden in a two legged play thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese talisman gave one of the best individual performances on the international stage by scoring a hat-trick for the ages in the 2nd leg. After finishing 2nd behind Russia in their 1st Round group, Portugal were pitted against Sweden.

In the 1st leg at Lisbon, Ronaldo scored a header in the 82nd minute to give Portugal a 1-0 lead. At the return leg in Sweden, the forward once again gave Portugal the lead early on. Zlatan Ibrahimovic then scored twice to bring the tie on level terms at 2-2 with Portugal having the advantage because of the away goal. With Sweden needing another goal, Ronaldo killed their dreams with 2 goals to take Portugal to the World Cup finals. All 3 Ronaldo goals were him sprinting from the halfway line using his blistering pace and incredible finishing.

This time around the format is different and the task is even more difficult. Ronaldo doesn't possess that incredible pace anymore but his finishing has gotten better if anything. Portugal are severely understaffed and any of the two games could be the last time we see Ronaldo in a Portugal shirt. Anybody who has seen him play over the years wouldn't put it past him to do something special once again even if the chances are bleak.

Also read: European Champions Italy face North Macedonia in World Cup qualifier