Serbia qualifies for World Cup, Portugal stunned
KATHMANDU: NOV. 15 – Serbia have been selected for next year’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute. In the ongoing European selection for the World Cup, a draw in Group A was enough for Portugal to qualify. But in the last minute, Portugal was stunned and pushed to the playoffs.
Portugal finished second in the group after suffering an unexpected defeat at home. Portugal lost 2-1 to Serbia in Sunday night’s match and missed out on a chance to qualify. Now they has to play in the playoffs to be selected in the next World Cup.
Serbia, under pressure to win the selection, beat Portugal to secure a place in the World Cup. Renato Sanches’s goal in the second minute gave Portugal an early lead. Even with a draw in the game, Portugal’s early lead in the World Cup qualifiers was disappointing when enthusiastic Portugal finished the game.
Dusan Tadic equalized for Serbia in the 33rd minute. Aleksandar Mitrovic’s goal in the 90th minute was crucial to stun Portugal. The visiting team Serbia and its supporters celebrated as the home crowd and players were stunned.
Serbia topped the group with 20 points from eight games and qualified for the World Cup, while Portugal with 17 points was pushed to the playoffs. Portugal will now play a play-off in March for a World Cup qualifier.
