Portugal denied victory over Serbia in controversial circumstances

Portugal were denied all three points in Belgrade after Cristiano Ronaldo’s last-gasp winner was ajudged to have not crossed the goal line, much to the frustration of the veteran Portuguese captain.

With no goal-line technology available for World Cup 2022 qualifying fixtures, the officials were unable to confirm whether the entirety of the ball had passed the line and the goal was not awarded - though replays have since conclusively confirmed that the goal should have been awarded.

After the game, Fernando Santos stated that the referee apologised for the error, acknowledging that the goal should have been awarded - which will do little to comfort the nation.

Despite the late controversy, a draw was a just result over the course of the game, with Portugal taking a two-goal lead by half time before being pegged back by a resurgent Serbia after the break.

Diogo Jota scored both of Portugal’s goals, both coming from headers after delightful crosses by Bernardo Silva and Cedric Soares.

Portugal were unable to show the same intensity in the second half though, and Serbia immediately closed the gap in the second half through Mitrovic. They found their second just 15 minutes later after a beautiful attacking move, finished off by Kostic.

Up next for Portugal is a Luxembourg side who have been on the rise over the years, having earned impressive draws against both Italy and France in recent history, having also pushed Ukraine and Serbia all the way in their qualifying campaign last season for the 2020 European Championships. They also won their first World Cup 2022 qualifying match at the weekend, beating Ireland away 1-0, suggesting that this will not be as easy a fixture as many will be anticipating.