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After a disappointing Round of 16 exit at last year's Euro 2020, things went from bad to worse in the international arena for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite boasting one of the most star-studded squads in the world, Fernando Santos' side failed to secure direct qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In their final qualification game, A Selecao suffered a shock defeat to Serbia, who finished unbeaten, and are heading to Qatar at Portugal's expense. Ronaldo and co. must now navigate the tricky playoffs if they are to seal their passage to this year's showpiece event.
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo face a tough battle to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Unfortunately for the Euro 2016 winners, they have been drawn alongside Euro 2020 champions Italy. The Azzurri were unlucky to miss out on a direct berth at the upcoming World Cup despite finishing with the joint-best defensive record among all European nations. That means only one of these two powerhouses will make the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
However, before turning their attention to Roberto Mancini's side, Portugal must get past Turkey in the playoff semi-finals. While Italy have been handed a more favourable draw against North Macedonia, Fernando Santos' men will face a Turkish side led by the likes of Burak Yilmaz and Caglar Soyuncu.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show for Portugal at Euro 2020, finishing with five goals in four games and the Golden Boot award. However, the Manchester United man, who will soon be 37, can no longer single-handedly drag A Selecao to the World Cup, like he did in the 2013 qualifying playoffs against Sweden.
On that note, here are five players who must step up for Fernando Santos ahead of their vital semi-final against Turkey on March 24.
#5 Bernardo Silva
Manchester City wide man Bernando Silva was a huge disappointment at Euro 2020, failing to register a goal or an assist in four games. The midfielder endured an underwhelming 2020-21 campaign for the Cityzens as well, scoring five goals and providing nine assists across competitions.
Silva, though, is back to his dazzling best in 2021-22, and has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. He is on course to surpass his last season tally of 26 league appearances, having already scored eight goals across competitions thus far.
Operating on the right, Silva will fancy his chances against Turkey's shaky defence. The midfielder appeared too passive at Euro 2020, so he must look to be more direct if his country is to progress to the World Cup finals.
#4 Diogo Jota
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota had a mixed showing at Euro 2020. Although he scored a goal and assisted another, the forward was guilty of spurning a few gilt-edged chances too. He also invited the ire of Cristiano Ronaldo after failing to find his captain in good positions, instead going for goal himself.
Jota, though, is enjoying an excellent 2021-22 campaign for the Liverpool. He already has ten strikes in 21 league appearances, and a total of 14 goals across competitions. He has already surpassed his tally of 13 goals from last season, despite playing fewer games so far this campaign.
With the likes of Merih Demiral and Caglar Soyuncu set to start at centre-back for Turkey, Jota will need to offer support to Ronaldo up front. The Portugal captain often commands extra attention and focus from defenders. That could allow Jota to get into good positions unnoticed and pounce on any loose balls.
#3 Ruben Dias
Despite boasting a wealth of attacking options, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal under Fernando Santos has been defined by defensive resilience. That solidity was lacking at Euro 2020, as A Selecao conceded in three of their four games, including four times against Germany.
Despite conceding just six goals in eight World Cup qualifying games, they were breached by Serbia in both fixtures, and now find themselves in a tough spot. Turkey's talented forward line, which includes Burak Yilmaz, Cengiz Under and Hakan Calhanoglu, could bother the Portuguese defence.
The responsibility of marshalling Santos' backline will fall upon Manchester City star Ruben Dias.
Voted the Premier League's Player of the Year for 2021 in his debut season in England, Dias is among the world's best defenders. With 14 goals conceded in 23 games, the Sky Blues currently boast the stingiest defence in English football for the second season running.
If Dias and co. can keep a clean sheet in the qualifying playoffs, Portugal have more than enough attacking firepower to secure their passage to Qatar.
#2 Joao Cancelo
Manchester City wing-back Joao Cancelo was arguably the biggest miss for Portugal at Euro 2020. The defender was ruled out of the competition before it had even started, due to COVID-19.
Under Pep Guardiola, Cancelo has developed into arguably the best full-back in the game. Versatility is his calling card, as Cancelo can play on either flank and in midfield as well.
If Portugal are to emerge from the playoffs, they will need to provide Cristiano Ronaldo with world-class service and delivery from out wide. Fortunately, Cancelo is among the best in the business. The full-back has three goals and eight assists in 29 appearances for Pep Guardiola's team this season.
Cancelo's crossing and ability to stretch play with his probing runs could be key for Portugal against Turkey. Thanks to his pace, the Manchester City man is also excellent at tracking back and shutting down counterattacks.
#1 Bruno Fernandes
Despite his sensational numbers for Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has so far been unable to replicate that sizzling form for Portugal. Fernando Santos' single biggest conundrum is one that is currently also baffling Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford. Can Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo play together without compromising on the midfielder's freedom and impact?
Ronaldo and Fernandes started well together at United. The midfielder assisted the superstar forward on several occasions, particularly in the Champions League. However, as the season has progressed, it is increasingly obvious that playing Ronaldo with Fernandes results in certain restrictions on the latter, especially in terms of scoring and forward movement.
Bruno Fernandes thrives as the main man, and has struggled to fit into Portugal's stacked set-up alongside the likes of Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix. On his day, the Manchester United midfielder is a unique creative force. He has 47 goals and 36 assists in just 106 games for United, and is enjoying another fine individual season, with seven goals and 11 assists so far.
However, he has scored just six goals in 40 appearances for Portugal. If Cristiano Ronaldo and co. are to avoid missing out on the FIFA World Cup this year, they will need the real Fernandes to step up and not the pale imitation that fans saw at Euro 2020.
