Portugal coach Fernando Santos and his players were naturally delighted after beating Turkey 3-1 at the Estádio do Dragão tonight to reach the World Cup playoff final, but were unanimous in warning believing in anything other than a tough match against the surprise opponents North Macedonia, who sensationally defeated Italy in Palermo.

“That penalty could have complicated matters,” admitted Santos referring to Turkey’s missed opportunity to make it 2-2 in the second half. “But I think it was undisputedly a deserved victory for Portugal.” 

Portugal’s World Cup hopes remain alive after a tense 3-1 victory against Turkey at Estádio Do Dragão.

Otávio was involved in both goals as Portugal established a 2-0 lead at the break, converting from close range after Bernardo Silva’s shot hit the post and delivering a pinpoint cross that was headed home by Diogo Jota.

Fernando Santos’ side refused to coast to the finish line however, Turkey getting back into the contest in the 65th minute when Burak Yilmaz converted from close range.

Yilmaz had a chance to equalise from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, but he fired way over the bar with Matheus Nunes sealing the deal for the Seleção in added time.

Portugal will take on North Macedonia on Tuesday, the winner booking their ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Portugal play Turkey at the Estádio do Dragão tonight and the stakes could not be higher. Defeat will mean no World Cup for Portugal in Qatar, an ignominious end to his tenure of the country’s longest-serving and most successful ever coach Fernando Santos, and quite possibly a sad goodbye to the international careers of genuine Seleção legends Pepe, João Moutinho and… Cristiano Ronaldo.

Victory, on the other hand, will earn Portugal the right to a playoff final against Italy or North Macedonia next Tuesday, also at the Estádio do Dragão. Come 7.45 pm this evening, an entire nation will be collectively holding its breath. Who will be the 11 men chosen by Santos to get the job done? 

Fábio Carvalho gets U21 call-up

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has named a 25-man squad for the World Cup playoffs. In the absence of the injured Rúben Dias, Santos has called up Sporting centre-back Gonçalo Inácio.

Several in-form players miss out, notably Porto’s Vitinha, Braga’s Ricardo Horta and Wolves goalkeeper José Sá, while Sporting midfielder João Palhinha’s absence will also cause debate. On the other hand, Gonçalo Guedes (Valencia), Rafael Leão (Milan) and Cédric Soares (Arsenal) are rewarded for excellent recent displays at club level. 

“This is one of the most important moments since I became Portugal coach,” said Fernando Santos, who took over as manager of the Seleção in 2014.