shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Will Cristiano Ronaldo make it to Qatar

Will Cristiano Ronaldo make it to Qatar?

Updated on: 24 March,2022 10:30 AM IST  |  Lisbon
AFP |

With Portugal facing two must-win games, World Cup spot is on line for them and aging Ronaldo as they host Turkey in European qualifying playoffs tonight

Will Cristiano Ronaldo make it to Qatar?

Cristiano Ronaldo during a Portugal training session. Pic/AFP

At 37 years old, it’s no secret time is running out for Cristiano Ronaldo.


Playing at a high level is not getting any easier, and the opportunities to compete in top tournaments are becoming scarce.


Missing out on the World Cup, at his age, could mean he’s never playing in soccer’s showcase event again.


Portugal faces two must-win games in the European qualifying playoffs, beginning Thursday when it hosts Turkey. The winner then plays next Tuesday against the winner of European champion Italy v North Macedonia for a ticket to Qatar.

Although no one knows if Ronaldo would still play in the next World Cup at age 41, not qualifying for this one would be one of the biggest setbacks of his career.

Ronaldo tried not to think past the task at hand, though. “Totally focused on the 2022 World Cup,” he said this week on Instagram.

‘Together we’ll fight’

“As always, I’m proud to represent Portugal. We know it won’t be easy. We have the maximum respect for the opponents that we will face and they have the same goals as us. But together we will fight to put Portugal where it deserves to be. Let’s do it!”

Ronaldo is trying to make it to his 10th consecutive major tournament. He is the only player to have scored at least once in the finals of nine top tournament in a row, a streak that started at the 2004 European Championship and includes four other Euros and four World Cups.
He is the active Portugal player with the most World Cup goals with seven, two shy of Eusebio.

Portugal was relegated to the playoffs after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Serbia at home in the final Group A game in November, when the hosts opened the scoring but conceded the deciding goal in the 90th minute. A draw would have been enough for Portugal, which is trying to qualify for the World Cup for the sixth straight time.

‘Not the ideal situation’

Only two consecutive victories will do now. “It’s not the ideal situation, but it is what it is and we have to face it with responsibility,” Liverpool forward Diogo Jota said.

“We can’t make too much drama about it. It’s a soccer match and I believe we can win and make it to the World Cup.”

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK