Daring North Macedonia eye Portugal clash after ending Italy's World Cup dreams

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Elated North Macedonia are now only a step away from the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, as the team shocked UEFA EURO 2020 champions Italy 1-0 on Thursday, which means the Azzurri are not going to Qatar.

Qatar 2022 will not feature four-time world champions Italy, but North Macedonia may have a chance to play in this year's World Cup tournament, which would be their very first.

But first North Macedonia have another difficult task ahead in the World Cup European Qualifiers, as they will visit Portugal in next week’s playoff final.

Portugal or North Macedonia, one of the other, will qualify for the World Cup.

After North Macedonia eliminated Italy on Thursday, Stevo Pendarovski, the country’s president, challenged Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo over next Tuesday’s game at Porto's Dragao Stadium.

"Get ready Cristiano Ronaldo, you are next! #WorldCupQualifiers," Pendarovski said, claiming that Portugal will be their next victim on the road to Qatar.

Ronaldo-led Portugal – a World Cup mainstay since 2002 – on Thursday eliminated Turkiye 3-1 to reach the playoff final.

The 2022 World Cup is set to be held in Qatar from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.