Cristiano Ronaldo has playfully mocked Arsenal’s Cedric Soares in Portugal training ahead of the country’s crucial World Cup play-off clash with North Macedonia. Fernando Santos’ men appeared to be in good spirits in the build-up to Tuesday’s crunch match as a relaxed Ronaldo imitated Soares’ leap during a light-hearted rondo in training.
Goals from Otavio, Diogo Jota and Matheus Nunes saw Portugal overcome Turkey 3-1 in a far from straight-forward encounter on Thursday night. Santos’ side nearly blew away a two-goal lead as Burak Yilmaz pulled one back, before squandering a vital effort from the penalty spot late on.
Substitute Matheus Nunes then clinched Portugal’s World Cup play-off final spot, which will take place at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday. The Euro 2016 winners will face North Macedonia in the World Cup decider after Aleksandar Trajkovski struck a sensational stoppage-time winner to knock current European champions Italy out.
Ahead of the clash with North Macedonia, there were no sign of nerves in the Portugal camp as Ronaldo led the laughter following a humorous moment with Arsenal defender Cedric Soares. The pair were involved in a training rondo alongside a number of their team-mates when the drill took a comical turn.
JUST IN: Tottenham ‘ready to swoop’ for Traore as Barca wait for Wolves verdict
Ronaldo was in a far more serious mood following Portugal’s triumph over Turkey last week, insisting nothing had been achieved despite the win. Taking to Instragram, the 37-year-old issued a battle-cry to his fellow Portugal team-mates ahead of the decisive match with North Macedonia.
The United forward posted: “The first step has been taken towards our great objective, towards the 2022 World Cup. Nothing is won, nothing is achieved. We have to continue to work in a serious and focused way, respecting the opponent but always believing in our abilities. Power Portugal! Go to Qatar!”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
