First in the 90th minute Serbia snatched Portugal’s World Cup ticket – but deservedly so Cristiano Ronaldo and his coach commented afterwards
There it was, the late, celebrated winning goal in Lisbon. But this time it was not Cristiano Ronaldo who scored it. Portugal’s superstar was appropriately disgusted when the final whistle sealed Serbia’s World Cup qualification a short time later – while the Portuguese have to go through the play-offs.
The aging star’s exuberant dissatisfaction was also felt on the pitch by his coach Fernando Santos, who laid the blame at his own door at the press conference afterwards.
Santos’ supposed default is not apparent
“Actually we should play with our feet, but it’s true that this team lacks personality,” admitted the 2016 European champions coach. “We played too cautiously and that’s my fault. “ Given the great quality in the Portuguese squad, Santos’ approach never ceases to amaze, which doesn’t really jibe with the 67-year-old’s (“We think about attacking, not defending”) statements.
His captain and star scorer, who had gone without a shot on goal for the first time in this World Cup qualifying campaign, spoke out a little later on Instagram – and expressed confidence: “Football has often shown us that it is the rockiest roads that lead us to the desired goal,” said Cristiano Ronaldo, “this defeat was tough, but not tough enough to break us. There are no excuses. Portugal are going to Qatar. “