Portugal 2-0 North Macedonia

The Estádio do Dragão was packed to the rafters with fans cheering every important milestone as Portugal booked their ticket to the World Cup finals in Qatar.

A rare gift from the visitors set up Bruno Fernandes to score Portugal’s first of the night then the heavily criticized midfielder made it two in the second half to put the game beyond reach. 

Fernando Santos' lineup against Turkey had raised some eyebrows, but there were few surprises with the return of Pepe and João Cancelo. Nuno Mendes was preferred over Raphael Guerreiro leaving Danilo the only player on the back four not replaced from the playoff semifinal against Turkey.

The opening exchange was cagey, and Nuno Mendes finally flashed a ball across the face of goal which was just too strong for Ronaldo. Then just before the quarter hour mark, Otávio sent Cristiano Ronaldo through on goal, and with his weaker left foot Portugal’s Captain dragged the shot wide right, the game’s first meaningful chance.

But the visitors expertly slowed the tempo of the match, drawing fouls and congesting the middle third to force risky and ineffective passes. Alioski volleyed North Macedonia’s first effort after a cross found him unmarked but it failed to trouble Diogo Costa.

Jota was next to go close following a corner from the right, but his attempted header bounced off the ground and over the crossbar.

Bruno/Ronaldo combo

No shots on goal from either side were registered in the opening half hour. But Portugal were not to be denied any longer. Bruno Fernandes latched onto a careless giveaway from Stefan Ristovski and passed to Ronaldo who then nutmegged his marker to tee up Fernandes to slot home the critical opener.

Ronaldo nearly set up Jota minutes later with a layback following a cross over the defence, but Jota could only shoot into the side-netting from a tight angle. A final blast over the bar from Cancelo brought half to an end with Portugal having finished the half with 69% possession and only one shot on goal from seven attempts. 

North Macedonia made one change to start the second half. Bruno Fernandes was first to hit target in the second half after the visitors failed to break the press. Portugal were measured in their approach not taking undue risks but preventing the visitors from possessing the ball too near Costa.

Then, Portugal struck again. Pepe halted a threatening attack with a brilliant challenge, and Fernandes started a counter which found Jota on the left. The Liverpool forward’s cross over the top found Bruno Fernandes, who had made the run from his own half, and the Manchester United playmaker made no mistake to double Portugal’s lead.

Pepe in beast mode

Having been so rarely threatened, the hosts had little else to do but protect their lead and Pepe was happy to oblige as he denied Trajkovski with a typically heavy but fair challenge inside the penalty area. Vitinha received his senior debut in stoppage time as Portugal closed out a successful evening.

Portugal did what was required but were far from impressive. In a match of such significance, there were very few moments of genuine quality and it must be said if Ristovski had not so carelessly given the ball away in the first half, the result might have gone very differently.

Bruno Fernandes showed his quality despite the severe criticism he has faced over the course of his international career. Nuno Mendes was strong defensively and offered some good touches going forward.

Pepe was his old self, controlling the game from deep and putting in crucial challenges, especially in the second half. The visitors were organized throughout but failed to trouble Costa in goal.

Portugal will next travel to Spain in UEFA Nations League action on June 2nd.

by Nathan Motz

 

Portugal: Diogo Costa – Nuno Mendes, Danilo Pereira, Pepe, João Cancelo - Bernardo Silva (Felix, 87’), João Moutinho (Vitinha, 90’), Bruno Fernandes (Matheus, 87’), Otávio (William, 77’) - Diogo Jota (Rafael Leão, 77’), Cristiano Ronaldo

North Macedonia: Dimitrievski - Alioski, Musliu, Velkovski, S. Ristovski - Elmas, Bardhi, Ademi, Tihomir Kostadinov - M. Ristovski, Travjkovski

Goals:

[1-0] – Bruno Fernandes, 32’

[2-0] – Bruno Fernandes, 65’

 

Comments (46)

This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site

Let's be honest everyone playing like we did today against Macedonia even with the win we play to much at the back and we need more energy Goin forward we have enough time to get a new coach think we should with Fernando and his style teams know...

Let's be honest everyone playing like we did today against Macedonia even with the win we play to much at the back and we need more energy Goin forward we have enough time to get a new coach think we should with Fernando and his style teams know how to play us and expose us but we made it and always gonna root for ??

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Ricky Almeida
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Agreed - we kept possession for what? Don't get it. Italy would have stormed through that weak midfield. Danilo played better, but why do play so scared all the time. Can someone give me the Percentage of balls played back by our midfielders?...

Agreed - we kept possession for what? Don't get it. Italy would have stormed through that weak midfield. Danilo played better, but why do play so scared all the time. Can someone give me the Percentage of balls played back by our midfielders? Hopefully we will have Renato back. Santos will not play Neves over Moutinho - total joke.

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Rodrigues Antonio
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Bro, I'm not one to pick at others, but come on.

"Italy would have stormed through that weak midfield"...... Really?

Italy literally lost to them last week and are sitting out the World Cup. Italy didn't "woulda" anything.
We scored twice...

Bro, I'm not one to pick at others, but come on.

"Italy would have stormed through that weak midfield"...... Really?

Italy literally lost to them last week and are sitting out the World Cup. Italy didn't "woulda" anything.
We scored twice against these guys while Italy lost to them, and you're argument is nonsensical.

We're going to the World Cup. I am sure there will still be much to discuss from now until then, but Portugal got the job done today, period.

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Chris
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Personally, I had little to complain about. Santos' defensive choices were spot on. Pepe was in Pepe form and Danilo showed "I'm not just a DM". Under Santos, Portugal always builds from the back with an organized defense and an opportunistic...

Personally, I had little to complain about. Santos' defensive choices were spot on. Pepe was in Pepe form and Danilo showed "I'm not just a DM". Under Santos, Portugal always builds from the back with an organized defense and an opportunistic attack.

That bores the crowd who want artistry and flair, but those people annoy me. Playing like Netherlands sets you up for more random chance and unexpected outcomes. Portugal would have no trophies if it took that approach. Slag N Macedonia all you wish, but this was essentially a final. Portugal's quality should be better enough to not have to take bigger risks.

Portugal did what it should have: found ways to beat their opponent in 1-on-1 situations while also not losing it on team tactics. The score may have seemed close, but this was a confident and determined performance. With just enough creative opportunity on the attacking end to get a few combinations right and turn the match.

Few opponents in the WC will be manhandled the way N Macedonia was last night, so Santos needs a broader set of gameplay options than that. But it did exactly what was needed on the night. Something Italy couldn't come close to doing.

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Greg
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They got the job done, so well done. It was not 100% convincing, but we’re through to the WC - congrats everyone.

Great for Bruno to get the two goals, it couldn’t have come at a better time for him and the Seleçao. For me, Pepe was the MOTM,...

They got the job done, so well done. It was not 100% convincing, but we’re through to the WC - congrats everyone.

Great for Bruno to get the two goals, it couldn’t have come at a better time for him and the Seleçao. For me, Pepe was the MOTM, what a performance. He is still our best CB, when he is on form, he’s one of the best to do it - EVER.

I thought Mendes also had a great game, defensively sound, and burned a few guys on one-on-ones. A few people on here didn’t want him to start, I’m glad he did, he showed his worth. Aside from the close header and his assist, I thought Jota was relatively poor. Ronaldo was certainly not at his best, but he put in a mature performance, and distributed the ball well at times. I thought he was gonna shoot before he dished it off to Bruno, glad he didn’t!

Bernardo wasn’t at his best either, but playing a little deeper in a CM is great to see. I wonder with a deeper lying CDM partner, maybe Palhinha/Neves, Bernardo would be a little more comfortable. Rodri allows him space to move and get forward - this was clearly not the tactic tonight because we didn’t need a CDM tonight, but against bigger possession-playing teams, it could be worthwhile.

Would’ve liked to see Nunes and Felix get a bit more time, perhaps in the NL.

There’s still ALOT of work to be done. But Santos’ has finally showed SOME ability to adapt some different play styles and formations. We didn’t look at our imperious best, and haven’t for some time. I believe we do have the potential to play dominating possession-based football, but under this manager, maybe not. Still time to figure things out and get more comfortable in the NL.

Enjoy the win everyone!

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Teresa
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I love Ronaldo but I have to disagree that he distributed the ball well. More often than not it went to the opposition.

To be fair, the front line chemistry wasn’t there.

Jerrold Hewson
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Certainly not his best, but given some recent performances for Man U and Portugal even, this was a much more involved one - so glad to see.

Teresa
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I agree about Pepe MOTM. That timely poke check stopped a dangerous play AND started the second goal counter attack. Pepe was classic Pepe, stepping in confidently to destroy opposition attacks and sweep the ball forward.

F.C.JCHarvard
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Regardless how annoying our team and manager has been. Very happy with the win.
I was thinking a Greece 2.0 playing Macedonia, but difference nowadays we have the players to finish the games.
We got lovely team on paper for the World Cup, but...

Regardless how annoying our team and manager has been. Very happy with the win.
I was thinking a Greece 2.0 playing Macedonia, but difference nowadays we have the players to finish the games.
We got lovely team on paper for the World Cup, but again, as most of us, Fernando Santos does not give me faith with the team we got. But will see how we get on
Forca Portugal big win

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Felipe Dinis
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There’ll be negative comments from those never satisfied, but don’t get it twisted, this team has what it takes to be anyone. Sanches in for Moutinho and Dias in for Danilo and this team goes strength to strength with anyone.

Don’t know if...

There’ll be negative comments from those never satisfied, but don’t get it twisted, this team has what it takes to be anyone. Sanches in for Moutinho and Dias in for Danilo and this team goes strength to strength with anyone.

Don’t know if Santos will ever adapt a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2, but the 4-1-4-1 or 4-1-3-2 can be flexible enough to deal with the modern formation and wing-backs.

To me Jota and Ronaldo offer the same type of striker, someone who can pounce on a half chance. Would still love a Leao or Guedes in there for a change of pace.

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Brian/RI/US
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Wow...I see some of the retweet blasts and can't believe them.

A win is a win, yes. I would rather win than be out like Italy, BUT, if Italy had jota or ronaldo or Andre silva, they would have beat N.Mac., about 10 to 0, they did have 31 shots...

Wow...I see some of the retweet blasts and can't believe them.

A win is a win, yes. I would rather win than be out like Italy, BUT, if Italy had jota or ronaldo or Andre silva, they would have beat N.Mac., about 10 to 0, they did have 31 shots and dominated...NMac was pure luck....the game I just watched from portugal was awful, slow build up, Hard to break their press, few chances created beyond Macs own mistakes, we got played through many many times (a better team would have scored), tactics were wrong this game. He got it right against turkey but wrong this one, this one was smore typical of what we saw in group stage.

I want people to remember, we are in playoffs because he didn't qualify out of an easy group or beat Serbia in the final game. His tactics are outdated, he doesn't make use of his squad and its strengths, other than 2016, we have failed to beat teams out of group stage that we are better than individually.....says something.

Today, he made the right calls in defense, but how many times did cancelo or Mendes actually get forward? Since he played, Bruno and otavio as inverted attacking mids, the fullbacks are the width!!!!!but they did not push up to do that often because you had moutinho (no legs to get around anymore and he was inconspicuous today) as the 6, you also had no real pace by playing both otavio and Bruno. You had no ball carrying mid either, Bernardo had to do his job and moutinhos by coming deep meaning he had little impact in offensive third when you have matheus on the bench, the kid can do it in champions league, he can do it here, leao immediately beat 2 players and set ronaldo up, I mean come on. A progressive more modern coach would be utilizing the talent far better. Also, the distance between our defense and attack was so large that it was difficult for us to move the ball through the lines as they were set up in a mid block to press, I would see like 6 of them and only 4 of us, no wonder why there was so many sideways passes, ugh.

I mentioned already how Santos just won against 2 poor teams but only because he lost In a poor group, but more importantly, we are not building momentum, identity, or way of playing with the abundance of talent....these are more important for tournaments. I like moutinho but come on! He might not even make the squad if renato is fit, vitinha and nunes keep progressing, Goncalves keeps up, ruben neves is fit, Danilo is back in midfield....who knows maybe that's why he played so much, lol.


Happy, but very frustrated watching that game thinking about Qatar and what we could achieve if...

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Joe
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Joe 100% correct on all your observations. Hey Chris did you read this? Moutinho should be coaching not playing.

Rodrigues Antonio
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Wonderful game. As soon as Ristovski gave up that cross to allow the first goal, you could tell Macedonia were deflated and unable to press forward well.

Bruno did help us - so he is saved from criticism, for now! Lol.

If I had one thing to...

Wonderful game. As soon as Ristovski gave up that cross to allow the first goal, you could tell Macedonia were deflated and unable to press forward well.

Bruno did help us - so he is saved from criticism, for now! Lol.

If I had one thing to gripe about, it was the ESPN2 broadcast. It’s like every time I watch a game featuring Portugal, they always seem to always want them to lose? Taylor 12 and is the biggest hater of Portugal and Ronaldo it’s ridiculous.

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John
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No it isn't Taylor, it is Ale Moreno during the half and after the game show. He makes Taylor look like a Portugal fan.

Paulo
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Yup it's Moreno Big time Messi fan and hates Ronaldo. Totally hates Ronaldo and we are talking about ESPN Barca network.

Rodrigues Antonio
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On this issue, I agree with you fully. ESPN FC is a group of the worst pundits I've ever seen in my life.

Steve Nichol knows absolutely nothing and only says anything positive about Liverpool.

Craig Burley has the IQ of a broken refrigerator....

On this issue, I agree with you fully. ESPN FC is a group of the worst pundits I've ever seen in my life.

Steve Nichol knows absolutely nothing and only says anything positive about Liverpool.

Craig Burley has the IQ of a broken refrigerator.

Ale Moreno moonlights as the Barcelona mascot and is incapable of being impartial.

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Chris
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Does ESPN hate Ronaldo? Sometimes, I think they do. Why would they hate CR7, though?

Guilherme Relvas
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What's everyone on here complaining about ? We got 2 extra games of experience for the youngsters. We're now playing a more functional brand of football that we might not have been playing had we won the group. It also got us to get an upgrade at...

What's everyone on here complaining about ? We got 2 extra games of experience for the youngsters. We're now playing a more functional brand of football that we might not have been playing had we won the group. It also got us to get an upgrade at goalkeeper and... to top it all off we're still seeded for the draw on Friday.

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Gee Dee
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Unfortunately Gee, a lot of posters here are set in their ways.

I’m glad Costa got the shot ahead of Patricio. I’ve been seeing reports that he hasn’t been at his best in Italy. Perhaps it’s time to pass the torch to DC. It’s a shame that Lopes...

Unfortunately Gee, a lot of posters here are set in their ways.

I’m glad Costa got the shot ahead of Patricio. I’ve been seeing reports that he hasn’t been at his best in Italy. Perhaps it’s time to pass the torch to DC. It’s a shame that Lopes never got the proper chance when line should’ve a year ago.

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John
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Good result, Portugal played well. We are critical of Santos all the time, but credit to him for getting the players to press and be organized.

He did well today with selections and a coherent gameplan. Kudos.

Nuno Mendes was excellent and...

Good result, Portugal played well. We are critical of Santos all the time, but credit to him for getting the players to press and be organized.

He did well today with selections and a coherent gameplan. Kudos.

Nuno Mendes was excellent and decisive, he should start from now on. Cancelo was largely invisible. Otavio had another solid game. Ronaldo was involved all over the place and did well.

Bernardo was not flashy, but played an important role in midfield. Moutinho was tidy. Bruno F finally showed up! Thank God.

Danilo had a very good game, although Macedonia is not known for their offensive prowess. Pepe is indeed a beast, still a top 3 CB at 40. Incredible guy.

We're in the World cup, and I can't believe I am saying this, but I actually feel that these 2 play-off games were good for us. It instilled some urgency in Santos and the team, and shook off some complacency. Even if we are not all happy with tactics, we have to give credit: the boys all pressed to regain possession, retained a good shape, and were organized in their roles.

I am very happy to eat crow and give credit to the team and Santos for getting it done. At no point today was I nervous or lacking confidence in our outcome. It felt weird, but I like it!

Cheers everyone.

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Chris
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In these days people rather be comforted by a lie than to be hurt with the truth. Joe's comment was so pessimistic that I could hardly even read it but pushing through some of the points made were well warranted. I could go on and on about the...

In these days people rather be comforted by a lie than to be hurt with the truth. Joe's comment was so pessimistic that I could hardly even read it but pushing through some of the points made were well warranted. I could go on and on about the issues with this team.. everyone already knows who the big elephant in the room is. May the draw be ever so kind to us, I predict on current form we're looking at another Round of 16 exit. That's our ceiling.

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SupremoGino
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Welcome to the NT Bruno!

I have been among the crowd to that has asked Santos to leave or be replaced. But in this game he got it right. By not pressing early, he forced Macedonia to have to play and eventual they made a mistake. And after being...

Welcome to the NT Bruno!

I have been among the crowd to that has asked Santos to leave or be replaced. But in this game he got it right. By not pressing early, he forced Macedonia to have to play and eventual they made a mistake. And after being 1 down, they had to chase the game and we got the second.

Even though it looked bad giving them that much space, they became exposed. They never once worked Costa, so kudos to Santos today.

On that note, I still think he has to go, that fact he can come up with a good game plan now and then, only shows how much better we can be with a coach who thinks consistently.

Now on the lineup, it was good for both games. The possession based system is something many of us have been wanting to see for a while. Also, starting Costa with his ability to play the ball help with possession. Couldn't have done it with Patricio.

It is said necessity is the mother of invention, so with us being short on CB's and DM's he trusted, that is why we probably got this lineup. If Dias and Neves had been here, maybe we would see his favorite double DM lineup.

On the Players:

Bruno - is most effective when he is allowed to roam and get into good positions. He constantly made great runs and was paid off with two goals.

Pepe - 3 great one on one clean tackles. One that led to the counter attack goal. Was great. He and Danilo controlled possesion, only rarely did it have to go back to Costa.

Danilo - After looking shaky with Fonte, was winning every ball. Looked much better today. Seems much more confident with Pepe.

Otavio - A couple of good passes in the first half, one Ronaldo should have put away. Faded in the second half.

Jota - Unlucky not to get the header goal and a great cross to Bruno. However, he could have done better.

Mendes - Good game, stronger than Rafa G. Could do better, but he has great upside.

Cancelo - Quiet game by his lofty standards, but was good.

Bernardo - Solid game, helped control posses ion, even though he didn't stand out, he was impactful.

Moutinho - Solid in the possession game. For those who think he doesn't deserve to be here, watch the game again and focus on him. The way he controls the game and breaks up and stops the other team is very underrated. He positions himself very well to deny the other passing lanes and causes them to make less dangerous passes. Not saying I would take him over Sanches, but he is good for when you don't want to lose the ball. The guy doesn't deserve most of the hate he gets, even though he can have a bad game also.

Costa - Did everything well, and was never tested.

Ronaldo - Great assist to Bruno. But was ineffective and gave the ball away too many times. I think he hurt the free flowing movement that most of the team had. But at any time he can have a great impact(IE Northern Ireland). A new coach is needed to balance his killer instinct with team flow and chemistry. Santos, can't seem to bench him.

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Paulo
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