Serbia 2-2 Portugal: 5 talking points as entertaining fixture ends in controversy | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers 

#3 Nemanja Radonjic steps off the bench to make a difference against Portugal

Nemanja Radonjic provided two assists off the bench

Nemanja Radonjic was named among the substitutes against Portugal. But with his side two goals down and in need of creativity, the Hertha Berlin man was summoned by his manager Dragan Stojkovic at halftime.

The 25-year-old came on in place of Dusan Vlahovic and just 26 seconds later, he made a mark on the game by providing the assist for Mitrovic's goal. Radonjic also figured predominantly in the equalizer, showing great vision and technique to lay the ball on a plate for Filip Kostic to score Serbia's second.

It was a brilliant performance off the bench from the former Roma man and on the back of his display against Portugal, he might have earned a spot in the starting lineup against Azerbaijan.

#2 VAR drama and goalline controversy deny Portugal potential victory

There was no VAR or goalline technology in the game

The game between Portugal and Serbia did not have the presence of VAR or goalline technology and that proved to be a major talking point in the game.

Stefan Mitrovic had seemingly cleared Ronaldo's goalbound shot in injury time and despite heavy protests by the Portugal players, the match referees did not award the goal. But replays showed the ball had crossed the goalline, denying Portugal a clear goal.

What drama at the end of Portugal vs Serbia. Ronaldo scores but no goal line technology. pic.twitter.com/wa6ZgFp2qd

— redrum (@manosbayku) March 27, 2021

The absence of VAR and goalline technology robbed Portugal of an invaluable two points in their quest for World Cup qualification and the players were well within their right to be angry.

This is not the only incident that has caused a furore over the lack of VAR in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Ireland manager Steven Kenny was livid that his side were not awarded a penalty for a blatant foul on Aaron Connolly which could have changed the trajectory of their clash with Serbia four days ago.

Spain also felt robbed when a harsh penalty was awarded against them and were later denied one in their draw with Greece.

#1 Could Cristiano Ronaldo be punished retroactively for his actions full-time?

Cristiano Ronaldo was livid over his disallowed goal

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening for most of the game against Serbia but the 36-year-old can never be counted out until the final whistle.

That proved to be the case when he pounced on an opportunity in the final seconds of the game to score. But the ensuing controversy pushed the Juventus star to his limit and he was visibly agitated as he voiced and showcased his displeasure.

Cristiano Ronaldo was fuming at full-time after being denied a 93rd-minute winning goal against Serbia that appeared to cross the line 😡 pic.twitter.com/PD8ePdluoR

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 27, 2021

The Portuguese skipper was shown a yellow card for dissent and he walked off the field before the referee blew the full-time whistle, while also throwing his captain's armband on the floor.

There has been no official word yet on whether Ronaldo will face any retrospective punishment for his reaction to the disallowed goal but there is a possibility that UEFA could look into it.