Original title: Ronaldo: Hope to lead Portugal to the World Cup
Portuguese men’s football captain Ronaldo (Cristiano Ronaldo) said in an interview with the media on the 28th that he hopes the team can win the play-off final against North Macedonia at home on the 29th, thus qualifying for the Qatar World Cup finals.
“Portugal is a top team with the ability to beat any team in the world,” Ronaldo said. The 37-year-old Manchester United star also thanked the fans for their support. According to the Portuguese Football Association, tickets for the Portugal World Cup qualifier play-off final were sold out within 10 hours of the sale.
Ronaldo also confirmed the return of the main center defender Pepe, and said that he would be happy to play side by side with this close friend who has worked in the national team for 20 years. The 39-year-old Pepe has recovered from the new crown pneumonia and has participated in two team training sessions. In addition to Pepe, another defense general, Manchester City right-back Cancelo also ended the previous suspension and is expected to start the game against North Macedonia.
Portugal had beaten Turkey 3-1 in the first match of the play-offs on the 24th, and the next opponent on the 29th will be North Macedonia, which knocked out the European champion Italy. UEFA has named British Anthony Taylor as the referee for the match between Portugal and North Macedonia. According to Portuguese media statistics, Portugal lost in the two games that Taylor had previously refereeed.
Portuguese coach Santos also attended the press conference that day. He said that the North Macedonia team, which had beaten Germany and Italy, should not be underestimated. Portugal will treat the next game as a “battle of life and death” and learn from the lessons of the loss of concentration after taking the lead against Turkey, and do their best Defeat your opponent and qualify for the World Cup. (Chen Baiqiao)