PANOS KOSTOPOULOS
Portugal‘s 2-2 draw with Serbia away at the Rajko Mitic Stadium back in March, he seemed concerned that his disallowed goal could cost his team direct qualification to the 2022 World Cup.
Group A’s top spot was decided by fine margins, as Portugal and Serbia were level on 17 points heading into their duel at the Estadio da Luz on Sunday, November 14.
Had there been goalline technology or VAR to give Ronaldo‘s goal late in the game away at Serbia, however, Fernando Santos‘ team would have already been celebrating their qualification to next year’s tournament.
Ronaldo couldn’t believe it that neither the referee of the game nor his assistant realised that the ball had clearly crossed the line before it was cleared away by Serbia defender Stefan Mirotic late in the game.
As Ronaldo celebrated his goal, the referee ruled it out and the current Manchester United star stormed off the pitch before the final whistle, throwing his armband on the floor in disgust.
“Being captain of the Portugal national team is one of the biggest prides and privileges in my life,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram after the game.
“I always give and will give everything for my country, that will never change.
“But there are difficult times to deal with, especially when we feel that an entire nation is being harmed.
“We will keep our heads up and face the next challenge now.”
