World Cup Qualifiers: Fernandes' Brace Takes Portugal Past North Macedonia Into Qatar 2022 World Cup

Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes scored a brace to secure a spot for Portugal at the World Cup 2022 in Qatar past North Macedonia in a 2-0 affair at the Estadio do Dragao.

Portugal never underestimated North Macedonia who already knocked Euro 2020 champions Italy out of the playoffs.

North Macedonia also tried to keep their giant-killing status as they remained compact until the 32nd minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock.

An assist from Cristiano Ronaldo after collecting the ball from the backline of the Macedonians, he was not selfish laying it off for his teammate at Old Trafford for him to tuck it away.

The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Portuguese.

The second half resumed with North Macedonia trying to get back into the game but they were caught on the counterattack with a ball to find Diogo Jota on the wing.

The Liverpool press machine squared it for Fernandes to make it a brace on the night.

Portugal joined the rest of the European national teams for Friday's World Cup draw.