Portugal – North Macedonia : Preview & Prediction
The World Cup play-offs were expected to be a final between Portugal and Italy. However, it is Northern Macedonia that Portugal will have to face this Tuesday in front of their home crowd. The Macedonian players created a feat on the Italian pitch. Having resisted the Azzurri’s onslaught throughout the match, they scored the winning goal in the very last seconds. The task now looks very difficult against another of the Old Continent’s top teams. Portugal did not tremble in their semi-final. It came to the end of Turkey (3-1). Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates must certainly be reassured to play North Macedonia in this final. They expect to do the job to reach the 2022 World Cup. Of course, Fernando Santos’ team is warned that they will have to play at their best. However, when you look at Portugal’s squad (Ronaldo, Fernandes, Dias, Cancelo, Silva …), it’s hard not to imagine them getting the win in this match and their ticket to the World Cup.
Portugal have just beaten Turkey in the play-offs (3-1).
Portugal has lost just one of its last eight matches.
Portugal have not played North Macedonia since 2012.
Northern Macedonia hit the ground running in a 1-0 win over Italy.
Northern Macedonia suffered 32 hits in that game, however. A situation that could be similar against Portugal.
Portugal will not want to miss out in this play-off final. While a final between Portugal and Italy had already been mooted for many months, North Macedonia upset everything. And it’s a situation that clearly suits Fernando Santos’ men! They are logically the favourites for this match and will be playing in front of their fans. They will be playing in front of their home fans, which should be enough to qualify for the international competition in Qatar.
Portugal – North Macedonia : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
