5 Portugal players who underperformed against Serbia | 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

#3 Diogo Jota

Portugal v Serbia - 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Portugal star Diogo Jota was tasked with assisting Cristiano Ronaldo up top against Serbia on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, Jota endured one of his typically lackluster nights and cut a frustrating figure in the final third.

The Serbian defenders seemed to have mastered the anti-dote for him on Wednesday. They did not allow him to slide between the lines and kept a lid on his link-up play with Cristiano Ronaldo as well. Jota still tried to bring his characteristic enthusiasm into play, but Serbia did well to thwart his advancements.

Jota tried switching positions but had no luck there either. On the left flank, Jota failed to cut in and gradually went anonymous as the match wore on. The Liverpool forward failed to dispatch even a single shot, let alone test Serbian keeper Predrag Rajkovic.

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#2 Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal v Serbia - 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Truth be told, Cristiano Ronaldo was not the second-worst Portugal player on the pitch on Wednesday night. However, given Ronaldo’s stature and what he brings to the table, it is hard not to be disappointed with his performance against Serbia.

Like most teams Cristiano Ronaldo plays against, Serbia tried to isolate Ronaldo in the final third of the pitch. Since Ronaldo is now more dependent on other players for goal-scoring opportunities, Serbia’s strategy worked like a charm. With the Manchester United star nullified, Serbia could focus more on creating chances themselves.

Ronaldo, of course, tried his best to come out of the chokehold. The Portugal captain tried to drop deep to pick up the ball and even tested the keeper on a couple of occasions. He didn't even have a single shot on target.

However, the ruthlessness we typically associate with Ronaldo was missing. All in all, it was a disappointing day at the office for the legendary number 7.

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#1 Rui Patricio

Portugal v Serbia - 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Portugal keeper Rui Patricio was the most disappointing performer for his country against Serbia and by a landslide. The 33-year-old shot-stopper played a part in both of the goals Portugal conceded, especially Tadic’s equalizer in the first half.

The Ajax man was on the edge of the box when he decided to try his luck. He did benefit from a deflection but it should not have troubled Patricio the way it did. The Roma keeper made a hash of the effort and spilled it into the back of the net.

The second goal, which resulted from a peachy cross from Tadic, could have been avoided had the defenders and the keeper positioned themselves properly.

Mitrovic headed the ball low into the ground to beat Patricio at his near post, capping off a disappointing night for Portugal and their keeper.