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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal took on Serbia in their final 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group A fixture on Sunday night at Estadio da Luz. The hosts went into the game as Group A leaders, only needing to secure a draw to book their place at next year’s grand event in Qatar. Unfortunately, underdogs Serbia had something else in mind.
To the home crowd’s delight, Portugal pulled themselves ahead after just two minutes of play, thanks to Bernardo Silva’s quick thinking and Renato Sanches’ finishing. Serbia, however, were not ruffled by the early goal and came at the hosts stronger than ever. In the 33rd minute, Ajax’s Dusan Tadic tested Portugal keeper Rui Patricio from the edge of the box and was rewarded for it.
Serbia kept charging in the second half but could not find a way through until substitute Aleksander Mitrovic’s last-gasp winner. A fine Tadic cross found Mitrovic inside the area who turned the ball in effortlessly. With the 2-1 win, Serbia finished top of the group and qualified automatically for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Portugal will now have to go through the play-offs to make an appearance in Qatar next year.
Here are the five Portugal players who did not turn up for their most important World Cup Qualifier against Serbia:
#5 Ruben Dias
Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias is one of the best defenders out there. But on Wednesday he looked unimposing and dejected, cutting a frustrating figure against a determined Serbia side.
Dias could not do much about the first goal, but he was partially at fault for the second. The Portuguese failed to keep track of Mitrovic inside the box, which ultimately allowed him to score an unchallenged header.
It was a disappointing night for a player of his caliber and he must figure out a way to bounce back before the play-offs come calling.
#4 Nuno Mendes
Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes has already become quite a sensation in the French capital. In national colors, however, he was far from convincing on Wednesday night.
Mendes, who is known for his marauding runs down the left flank, failed to excite fans and was leaving too much space when joining the attack.
Serbian players had the player’s number and stopped him in his tracks more often than not. The 19-year-old was fouled thrice and was not brave enough to take the fight to the Serbians.
#3 Diogo Jota
Portugal star Diogo Jota was tasked with assisting Cristiano Ronaldo up top against Serbia on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, Jota endured one of his typically lackluster nights and cut a frustrating figure in the final third.
The Serbian defenders seemed to have mastered the anti-dote for him on Wednesday. They did not allow him to slide between the lines and kept a lid on his link-up play with Cristiano Ronaldo as well. Jota still tried to bring his characteristic enthusiasm into play, but Serbia did well to thwart his advancements.
Jota tried switching positions but had no luck there either. On the left flank, Jota failed to cut in and gradually went anonymous as the match wore on. The Liverpool forward failed to dispatch even a single shot, let alone test Serbian keeper Predrag Rajkovic.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Truth be told, Cristiano Ronaldo was not the second-worst Portugal player on the pitch on Wednesday night. However, given Ronaldo’s stature and what he brings to the table, it is hard not to be disappointed with his performance against Serbia.
Like most teams Cristiano Ronaldo plays against, Serbia tried to isolate Ronaldo in the final third of the pitch. Since Ronaldo is now more dependent on other players for goal-scoring opportunities, Serbia’s strategy worked like a charm. With the Manchester United star nullified, Serbia could focus more on creating chances themselves.
Ronaldo, of course, tried his best to come out of the chokehold. The Portugal captain tried to drop deep to pick up the ball and even tested the keeper on a couple of occasions. He didn't even have a single shot on target.
However, the ruthlessness we typically associate with Ronaldo was missing. All in all, it was a disappointing day at the office for the legendary number 7.
#1 Rui Patricio
Portugal keeper Rui Patricio was the most disappointing performer for his country against Serbia and by a landslide. The 33-year-old shot-stopper played a part in both of the goals Portugal conceded, especially Tadic’s equalizer in the first half.
The Ajax man was on the edge of the box when he decided to try his luck. He did benefit from a deflection but it should not have troubled Patricio the way it did. The Roma keeper made a hash of the effort and spilled it into the back of the net.
The second goal, which resulted from a peachy cross from Tadic, could have been avoided had the defenders and the keeper positioned themselves properly.
Mitrovic headed the ball low into the ground to beat Patricio at his near post, capping off a disappointing night for Portugal and their keeper.
