Portugal qualify for the World Cup as North Macedonia's fairytale ends

Two goals from Bruno Fernandes meant there would be no repeat of North Macedonia's shock win over Italy - and mean Cristiano Ronaldo will get a final shot at the biggest prize of all

Portugal's Bruno Fernandes celebrates with Cristiano Ronaldo, left, after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup 2022 playoff soccer match between Portugal and North Macedonia, at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Tuesday, March 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Portugal 2 North Macedonia 0 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of winning a World Cup before he retires, a trophy that would edge him even closer to the title of greatest player of all time, is still on thanks to two excellent goals from his Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes in a play-off final victory which extinguished North Macedonia’s hopes of providing a fairy tale of their own.