North Macedonia has already done the unthinkable, defeating Italy in the UEFA World Cup qualifying play-off semifinals last week. Now their reward is a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo and dangerous Portugal on Tuesday with a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on the line.
Ronaldo and Portugal are the overwhelming favorites despite North Macedonia's current role as David, having already slain one goliath in the defending European champions.
REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File PhotoBut the Manchester United forward isn't leaving anything to chance, imploring his countrymen to make Estádio do Dragão in Porto "hell" for the unlikely visitors.
"I urge the fans: I want hell breaking loose at Dragao," Ronaldo said on Monday (h/t Sky Sports). "I went to bed last night thinking that I want the stadium to shut down the music for our national anthem and let the fans sing it a cappella to show our passion, our strength, and union around the objective of reaching the World Cup.
"If our fans show up the way they can, we will win on Tuesday. For us, this game is a matter of life and death. There is a responsibility to win this game. They have surprised opponents in many games but I believe they will not surprise us."
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Plenty of urgency in the superstar's voice — and confirmation that he and his side, who defeated Turkey 3-1 in the semifinals, are not taking his opponents lightly.
Nor should they after last week's performance.
North Macedonia is just one victory away from making its first-ever World Cup after a major competition debut at the European Championships last year.
Napoli midfielder Elif Elmas is available, which could provide a huge boost to his side. However, expect a very similar style of match as last week's tilt against Italy. Portugal should see a lion's share of the possession and an abundance of chances. The underdogs will just have to find the right time to strike — should they survive that long.
Portugal vs. North Macedonia UEFA World Cup Qualifying viewing information
Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: ESPN+
Match odds
POR to win (90 minutes): -600
MKD+1600 to win (90 minutes): +220
Draw (90 minutes): +500
Anytime Goalscorer odds
Cristiano Ronaldo (POR): -225
Andre Silva (POR): -105
Diogo Jota (POR): +130
Bernardo Silva (POR): +130
Joao Felix (POR): +130
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. For more, click here.
