Portugal qualify for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal did what Italy couldn't in seeing off North Macedonia 2-0 on Tuesday night to confirm their place at the World Cup this winter.

North Macedonia sprung a surprise by beating the Azzurri last Thursday but the 2016 European champions proved a bridge too far for the minnows, who were undone by a Bruno Fernandes brace.

In qualifying, Portugal maintained their perfect record of reaching every tournament since missing out on the 1998 World Cup in France, although they've come close in recent years with a handful of qualifications via playoffs.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in the first half with just over half an hour played, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to claim an assist. Although they haven't always linked well for club or country, the ex-Real Madrid man played a nutmegged assist to the midfielder, who made no mistake with the finish from around 15 yards.

His second after the hour mark was a gorgeous finish and showed excellent technical control. This time Liverpool's Diogo Jota played a fine cross from the left that the Manchester United man ran on to and volleyed home first time, just before the ball hit the ground.