Portugal vs North Macedonia betting tips: FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers odds and predictions

Portugal will lock horns with North Macedonia in the Path C final encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal on Wednesday, March 30. The match will start at 12:15 AM IST.

Portugal vs North Macedonia odds for FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers 

Portugal: 1.19

North Macedonia: 16.00

Draw: 6.80

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Note: Odds are subject to change.

Portugal vs North Macedonia recent form

Under the tutelage of head coach Fernando Santos, Portugal head into the playoff clash after defeating Turkey 3-1 in the Path C semi-final of their FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led side rode on goals from Otavio, Diogo Jota and  Matheus Nunes to secure a convincing win while Burak Yilmaz netted the consolation goal for Turkey.

On the other hand, North Macedonia stunned European champions Italy 1-0 in their Path C semi-final encounter at Renzo Barbera on Friday. North Macedonia forward Alexander Trajkovsky scored the match-winning goal in the 92nd minute to knock Italy out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

Portugal: W, L, D, W, W

North Macedonia: W, W, W, L, W

Portugal vs North Macedonia head-to-head

Portugal and North Macedonia have faced each other twice previously, with the former winning one while the other match ended in a goalless draw.

Portugal vs North Macedonia prediction for FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers

With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Jota and Bruno Fernandes in their ranks, Portugal will start as favourites against North Macedonia in the FIFA World Cup 2022 playoff final. However, considering North Macedonia knocked out reigning European champions in their last match, we can’t rule out them punching above their weight and beating the star-studded Portugal side on Wednesday.

Featured photo: MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP



Cristiano Ronaldo eyes fifth World Cup appearance as Portugal face North Macedonia in playoff - watch live

The Portugal national football team will take on North Macedonia in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers play-off final on Wednesday, March 30. The game will kick-off at 12:15 AM IST.

Portugal qualified for the play-off final as they beat Turkey 3-1 in the semi-final of their FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers play-offs (Path C). The Cristiano Ronaldo-led side, who finished second in Group A at the end of the European qualifiers in 2021, will aim for an eighth World Cup appearance but a certain North Macedonia stands in their way.

The Lions are the most in-form team at the moment, as they knocked out European champions Italy just days after handing Germany their first World Cup qualifying defeat in 20 years.

Portugal and North Macedonia will meet in their maiden competitive international football match, having previously played two friendly matches in 2003 and 2012. North Macedonia lost the 2003 meeting by a margin of 0-1 while they played out a goalless draw in 2012.

Portugal vs North Macedonia squads

Portugal

Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício, Anthony Lopes, Diogo Costa

Defenders: Cédric Soares, Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, Gonçalo Inácio, José Fonte, Tiago Djalo, Nuno Mendes, Raphael Guerreiro.

Midfielders: Danilo, Rúben Neves, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes, João Moutinho, Matheus Nunes, Otávio, Bernardo Silva

Forwards: André Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Gonçalo Guedes, João Félix, Rafael Leão

North Macedonia

Goalkeepers: Stole Dimitrievski, Damjan Siskovski, Kristijan Naumovski

Defenders: Stefan Ristovski, Darko Velkovski, Visar Musliu, Kire Ristevski, Ezgjan Alioski, Stefan Ashkovski, Serafimov

Midfielders: Ademi, Elmas, Bardhi, Spirovski, Kostadinov, Atanasov, Rakip, Nikolov, Babunski

Forwards: Jahovi, M Ristovski, Miovski, Churlinov, Trajkovski, Ethemi, Babunski

Where to watch Portugal vs North Macedonia live in India?

The Portugal vs North Macedonia match in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers play-off final will be telecast live on Sony TEN 2 SD and HD TV channels in India.

Live streaming for Portugal vs North Macedonia will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.

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Featured photo: AFP / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND

Three biggest shocks in the history of the UEFA European Championship

Switzerland’s victory over France on penalties in the round of 16 of UEFA Euro 2020 will go down as one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.

Entering the tournament and round as outright favourites, France played out a six-goal thriller at the National Arena in Romania before being beaten 4-5 on penalties. 

To everyone’s surprise, it was Switzerland who got the early breakthrough after Haris Seferovic beat Hugo Lloris with a sumptuous header to score the opener. The Swiss then missed a penalty in the second half, leaving the door open for a French comeback.

Le Bleus capitalised on the penalty miss by the Swiss and made a fantastic comeback, moving into a 3-1 lead through a Karim Benzema brace and a long-ranger by Paul Pogba. The Red Crosses, however, scored two goals in the final nine minutes of normal time to force the game into extra time and then penalties, where Kylian Mbappe missed his spot-kick as Switzerland booked their place in the quarter-finals.

Over the course of its long history, the competition has seen several such shocks like the Czech Republic beating Italy in Euro 1996 or Sweden beating England 2-1 in Euro 1992. On that note, we take a look at three of the biggest upsets in UEFA Euro.

Germany 0-2 Denmark - 1992 Euro final

Not much was expected from Denmark in Euro 1992 but they finished second in Group A with only one win in three games, which was a 2-1 victory over France. The Danes then had to rely on a penalty shootout win against the Netherlands in the semi-final.

Squaring off against the mighty Germans in the final, midfielder John Jensen broke the deadlock in the 18th minute before Kim Vilfort’s tame effort made it two 12 minutes from full time. Germany could only watch as Denmark defended their lead to lift the title.

The Red and White weren’t really contenders to even play in Euro 1992, as they had failed to qualify for the competition. Their participation only happened after war-torn Yugoslavia were disqualified and the rest as they say is history.

Portugal 0-1 Greece - 2004 Euro final

Being the host nation, Portugal were the favourites when they made it to the final of Euro 2004. Greece, on the other hand, were the underdogs as it was only their third appearance in a major tournament.

Greece’s way to the final included several upset wins, but nothing compares to their heroics in the final. They had beaten reigning champions France in the quarter-final, and got the better of Czech Republic in the semi-final.

Led by Luis Figo, Portugal had a superior team on paper, but it just wasn’t meant to be for them. The Portuguese attempted 16 shots on goal but only five of them were on target. Greece, on the other hand, scored with their only attempt on target.

The winning goal came a mere three minutes before the hour mark when Greece forward Angelos Charisteas rose highest to score the only goal of the match. The unthinkable then happened as the home crowd were silenced and the Greeks emerged triumphant.

England 1-2 Iceland - round of 16 Euro 2016

Iceland’s 2-1 win over England in the round of 16 of Euro 2016 has gone down as one of the most humiliating defeats for the Three Lions. Their then manager Roy Hodgson resigned minutes after the game as emotions poured in from both camps.

This victory for the Nordic minnows was an example of their sheer determination as they had to first overcome a Wayne Rooney goal before scoring the winner. Furthermore, the fact that Iceland were playing in their first major international tournament made that win all the more spectacular.

The first goal of the match came as early as the fourth minute when Wayne Rooney converted from the spot. A mere two minutes later, Iceland got right into the game through Ragnar Sigurdsson before Kolbeinn Sigthorsson capitalized on Joe Hart’s error to score the winner.

"They thought this would be a walk in the park," said goal-scorer Sigurdsson after the game.

Featured photo: AFP / Aris Messinis

Belgium face defending champions Portugal at UEFA Euro 2020 - get team news, telecast and streaming details

FIFA’s top-ranked team Belgium will lock horns with defending champions Portugal in a mouth-watering UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 clash at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain in the early hours of Monday, June 28 (according to Indian Standard Time).

Belgium started their Euro 2020 campaign after beating Russia 3-0 and followed it with a come from behind 2-1 win over Denmark. The Red Devils made it a perfect start after securing a 2-0 victory against Finland in their final group fixture. Roberto Martinez’s men topped Group B with nine points and they have already shown why Belgium are touted as one of the favourites to win the title this year.

Portugal, on the other hand, had mixed fortunes in the Group of Death and the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side qualified for the round of 16 in third spot (four points from three matches) for the second consecutive European Championship. 

While A Seleção started their tournament after defeating Hungary 3-0, they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Germany. Portugal ended the group stage with a 2-2 draw against world champions France to qualify for the Euro 2020 knockouts.

Belgium vs Portugal head-to-head 

In the Belgium vs Portugal head-to-head record in international football, the 2016 Euro champions have a slight advantage, having won six of the 18 matches played between these two sides. Belgium, on the other hand, have managed five victories. Furthermore, Portugal have remained unbeaten against Belgium in their last five matches across all competitions. Their last defeat came in a World Cup qualifying match where they lost 3-0 in September 1989. Interestingly, this will be the first meeting between Belgium and Portugal at a major tournament (World Cup and Euros).

Belgium team news and injury updates

Belgium will be without their full-back Timothy Castagne, who has been ruled out of the ongoing European Championship after suffering a double fracture to his eye socket during their 3-0 win over Russia. Other than Castagne, Roberto Martinez will have a fully-fit squad to pick his best playing XI against a star-studded Portugal side.

Portugal team news and injury updates

Ahead of their opening encounter against Hungary, Portugal had suffered a massive blow after their full-back Joao Cancelo was ruled out of Euro 2020 having tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, right-back Nelson Semedo is also doubtful for the round of 16 clash after he limped off in Portugal's 2-2 draw against France.

Furthermore, PSG midfielder Danilo Pereira is racing against time to be fit for the crucial encounter against Belgium.

Where to watch Belgium vs Portugal live in India?

Belgium vs Portugal UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match will be telecast live at 12:30 AM IST on SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3 and their corresponding HD TV channels in India, on Monday, June 28.

Live streaming of the Belgium vs Portugal match will be available on SonyLIV and JioTV.

SportsAdda will bring you Belgium vs Portugal live scores.

Featured photo: BERNADETT SZABO / POOL / AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes most prolific European scorer at major tournaments

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo became the top scorer across major European competitions after netting against France in their final group game of Euro 2020.

The 36-year-old striker, who earlier became the record goalscorer in Euros, opened his account with a 31st-minute penalty to give Portugal the lead against Didier Deschamps’s Les Blues.

Ronaldo has now scored 20 goals in the World Cup and European Championships combined, bettering the record previously held by legendary German forward Miroslav Klose.

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken his tally to 108 international goals and is close to becoming the highest goal-scorer in international football. Iranian legend Ali Daei currently holds the record with 109 goals in 148 games and Ronaldo, who has 178 caps to his name for Portugal, is well-placed to add another historic feather to his cap.

Top goal-scorers in Europe (major tournaments)

Player Country Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 20*
Miroslav Klose Germany 19
Gerd Muller Germany 18
Jurgen Klinsmann Germany 16
Michel Platini France 14

Active player*

Featured photo: AFP / MATTHIAS HANGST

Portugal hoping for first victory over Germany in 21 years - watch live in India

Riding high on momentum, the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal take on a struggling Germany in their second group stage game of UEFA Euro 2020 on Saturday, June 19 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Portugal got off to a brilliant start in their title defence campaign, beating Hungary 3-0 earlier this week. On the contrary, the Germany football team endured a 1-0 defeat at hands of world champions France where defender Mats Hummels scored the own goal.

The Portugal football team looked like a force to reckon with in its opening game, looking dominant right from the beginning. Although they were made to put in extra effort to score the opener as Hungary were keeping their defensive shape intact. Germany, on the other hand, showed their limitation in attack and this might cause another upset if not taken care of.

Portugal vs Germany head to head

Portugal vs Germany head-to-head record is outrightly dominated by the Germans, who have won 10 of their 18 meetings. Portugal have registered only three while five games have ended in a draw. Portugal’s last victory over Die Mannschaft dates back to Euro 2000 in June where a hat-trick from Sergio Conceicao guided his team to a 3-0 victory. Since then the Germans have beaten Portugal 3-1, 3-2, 1-0 and most recently, 4-0.

Portugal team news and injury updates

Portugal have a clean slate of health. With Joao Cancelo out of the competition, Nelson Semedo is expected to keep his place at the back. There might be a change up front as Rafa Silva could make it to the starting XI this time after creating all three goals against Hungary.

Germany team news and injury updates

Germany are hoping to welcome Leon Goretzka back in the team after he missed the opening game through injury. From the injury front, Matthias Ginter remains a major worry for Germany as he came off injured against France. Furthermore, midfielder Jonas Hofmann’s availability is also in question as he is nursing a knee injury.

Where to watch Portugal vs Germany Euro 2020 live in India?

Portugal vs Germany UEFA Euro 2020 match will be telecast live at 9:30 PM IST on SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3, SONY TEN 4, SONY SIX and their corresponding HD TV channels in India, on Saturday, June 19.

Live streaming of Portugal vs Germany match will be available on SonyLIV and Jio TV app.

SportsAdda will bring you Portugal vs Germany live score.

Featured photo: AFP / Odd Andersen

Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for global virus

Portugal and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has tested positive for the global virus but is ‘doing well, without symptoms, and in isolation’, as per a statement from the Portuguese Football Federation (PFF).

This, of course, means that Ronaldo is set to miss Portugal’s Nations League match against Sweden on Wednesday, October 14.

As for the rest of the Portugal squad, all tested negative on Tuesday, October 13, and will be partaking in the Group A3 match in Lisbon, as confirmed by the PFF, "Following the positive case, the remaining players underwent new tests this Tuesday morning, all with a negative result, and are available to Fernando Santos for training this afternoon, in Cidade do Futebol. "

"The game (against Sweden), counting for the qualification phase of the Nations League, is scheduled for Wednesday, at 19:45, in Alvalade."

More to follow…

Ronaldo and Portugal squad donate EURO bonus to amateur football clubs

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates have donated half of their bonus for qualifying for the Euro 2020 finals to help amateur football in the country that has been hit by the coronavirus shutdown.

The Portuguese football federation said on Monday the money would go towards a fund that it hopes will reach 4.7 million euros ($5.1 million) to help amateur clubs survive the crisis.

The federation last week decided to end the already-suspended amateur season with immediate effect, declaring the season null and void without champions, promotion or relegation.

No decision has been taken on resuming professional football but the president of the Portuguese league said in late March he was determined the season should be completed.

"It is fundamental that the championships end because it would allow some sort of normality to be restored and we could prepare for next season knowing who has qualified for international competitions, who the champions are and who is relegated," Pedro Proenca said.

Portugal shocked host nation France to win Euro 2016 but Ronaldo and his teammates will have to wait another year to defend their title as Euro 2020 has been postponed by 12 months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Patricia De Melo Moreira

Portugal, France, Germany drawn together in Euro 2020’s Group of Death

World champions, France and defending Euro champions, Portugal were drawn in Group F along with multiple-time world champion, Germany at the UEFA Euro 2020 draw, which took place last night.

There was constant suspense as the draws were revealed one after the other. France were the first ones out of the pot to be put in Group F. Germany joined them next as the world smacked its lips at the prospect of these two exciting teams clashing. The euphoria was complete when Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal became the third team in the group.

Groups A and B were the only ones with confirmed team line-ups of four each as the other four groups awaited one team each which will be decided via playoffs. Italy, who won their last 11 games, were drawn in Group A along with Turkey, Switzerland and Wales- teams which are more than capable of holding their own.

Group B consisted of 2018 World Cup semi-finalists, Belgium; World Cup hosts, Russia, and Finland and the plucky Denmark. The returning Netherlands were put in Group C along with Austria and Ukraine.

Group D is another interesting one as England and Croatia were drawn together in the group. The sides met each other in the World Cup semi-finals last year where the latter scored a late injury-time goal to come from behind and move into the finals. They were joined by Czech Republic.

Spain, who are reportedly looking to change their head coach yet again, were drawn alongside Sweden and Poland in Group E.

Euro 2020 will be a month-long tournament which will commence on June 12 next year with the final to be played on July 12 at the famous Wembley Stadium in London. It will be held across 12 countries- Italy, Azerbaijan, Russia, Denmark, England, Scotland, Romania, Netherlands, Spain, Republic of Ireland, Germany and Hungary.

Feature Image courtesy: AFP / Patricia De Melo Moreira

Ronaldo scores 99th Portugal goal as holders seal Euro 2020 spot

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 99th international goal as reigning champions Portugal secured their place at the Euro 2020 finals on Sunday with a 2-0 victory away to Luxembourg, while France ended their qualifying campaign with victory.

Bruno Fernandes struck the opening goal on 39 minutes before Ronaldo tapped in a scrappy second late on to clinch second place in Group B behind winners Ukraine, who drew 2-2 in Serbia.

Iranian striker Ali Daei holds the world record with 109 international goals scored in 149 appearances between 1993 and 2006.

"All records must be broken and I will beat that record," said Ronaldo.

Portugal became the 17th nation to qualify for next year's multi-host tournament, which kicks off in Rome on June 12, joining the likes of world champions France, Spain, Italy and England.

"We can't give the match high marks for style," said Portugal coach Fernando Santos, who admitted the heavy pitch made life challenging for his team.

"I'm very happy for my players because the qualifying campaign has been more difficult than we expected.

"We're through to the finals of a major tournament for an 11th straight time. You've got to believe in these players."

Portugal knew they would book their place at Euro 2020 with a win or by matching Serbia's result from their game in Belgrade.

But they were made to work hard by a Luxembourg team ranked 96th in the world that notably held France to a 0-0 draw in 2018 World Cup qualifying.

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Fernandes broke the deadlock before half-time, controlling Bernardo Silva's pinpoint pass expertly before lashing in from 20 yards.

Ronaldo, who smacked in a hat-trick in Thursday's 6-0 thrashing of Lithuania, moved to the brink of his international century four minutes from time.

Silva's far-post cross was forced towards goal by Diogo Jota, with Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris getting a hand to the ball before Ronaldo turned in from the goalline.

France sign off with win

Later on Sunday, world champions France wrapped up top spot in Group H as goals from Corentin Tolisso and Antoine Griezmann sealed a 2-0 win over Albania in Tirana.

"I'm very dependent on the players," French World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps said after his 100th game in charge.

"It's a personal pride. But it's good to see what the players do together. At times, it can be a bit more difficult with changes to the players, injured players, but the spirit is there."

The French national anthem was roundly booed before kick-off as retribution for the error that saw the Andorran anthem played instead of the Albanian one when the teams met in September at the Stade de France.

The visitors made a quick start on the pitch, though, as Bayern Munich midfielder Tolisso headed Griezmann's free-kick into the bottom corner.

The Barcelona star slotted in the second himself on the half-hour mark, before the dead rubber petered out in the second period, with Olivier Giroud going closest to a third by striking the post.

The other games in the group saw Turkey, who had also already sealed qualification, beat Andorra 2-0, while Iceland edged to a 2-1 victory at Moldova.

England rounded off an impressive campaign with a 4-0 thrashing of Kosovo.

Goals from Harry Winks, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount ensured England finished at the Group A summit, having scored 37 goals in just eight matches.

"We know there is still a bit of work to do but I can't fault the players in this campaign, they've been ruthless. We're more settled with the group now," said England manager Gareth Southgate.

The Czech Republic are also through but lost 1-0 in Bulgaria on Sunday.

Featured image courtesy: AFP/ JOHN THYS