Portugal and Serbia played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their latest World Cup qualifier. Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had won his side the match with a late strike. However, the goal did not stand despite the defender clearing the ball from behind the goal-line.
Euro 2016 winners were held to a draw by Serbia in their World Cup 2022 qualification match. Ronaldo and Co had raced on to a two-goal lead, thanks to teammate Diogo Jota’s brace. Dragan Stojković’s side reduced the deficit first through a historic Aleksandar Mitrovic strike and then levelled the match through Filip Kostic.
There was some late drama in this one as Ronaldo saw a clear goal not given. The Portugal captain thought he had won the match for his side in the final seconds when he poked the ball towards the net ahead of the goalkeeper.
Defender Stefan Mitrovic looked to have cleared the ball from behind the goal-line. But neither the referee nor the assistant flagged the goal. Furthermore, the absence of VAR, and goal-line technology, meant that there was no means for the officials to substantiate their decision.
Ronaldo was booked for his vociferous protests in front of the linesman. Serbia, meanwhile, had seen Nikola Milenkovic sent off earlier, completing a torrid night for the Fiorentina man who lost Jota for both of Portugal’s goals.
Nonetheless, the focus was on Ronaldo following the match, who appeared to throw away his captain’s armband in frustrations. The Juventus man later took to Instagram to explain his gesture.
Being (the) captain of the Portugal team is one of the greatest sources of pride and privileges of my life. I always give and will give everything for my country, that will never change. But there are difficult times to deal with, especially when we feel that an entire nation is being harmed. Lift your head and face the next challenge now!
he wrote in Portuguese.
Portugal remain second in their group for now, only due to Serbia’s superior goal difference. However, they have played one more game than Luxembourg in third, who had also won their opening qualifier against Ireland.
