Portugal 2-0 North Macedonia: 5 Hits and Flops as Bruno Fernandes brace takes Selecao to Qatar | FIFA World Cup Playoff Final 2022

#3 Hit: Joao Moutinho (Portugal)

Joao Moutinho had a calming presence in the centre.

Joao Moutinho had a great game in the center of the park. The 35-year-old kept things ticking for Portugal as he tied the attack with defense and eased the transitions. Moutinho orchestrated the game for the hosts, and his presence allowed Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva to advance high up the pitch.

Moutinho won six duels, made four recoveries, won two tackles, made three interceptions and completed 52 passes with a deadly accuracy of 95% during his stay on the pitch.

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#2 Flop: Milan Ristovski (North Macedonia)

Milan Ristovski was a no-show against Portugal. The 23-year-old was taken off in the 46th minute of the game in favor of Bojan Miovski. Ristovski had just 11 touches in the 45 minutes he played.

Ristovski was completely isolated up front, with Pepe and Danilo Pereira doing a great job keeping him alone. Neither did he have a shot on goal, nor did he create anything going forward. Coach Blagoja Milevski had no choice but to replace Ristovski after his disappointing first-half performance.

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#1 Hit: Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)

Bruno Fernandes made all the difference.

Bruno Fernandes had a night to remember. He scored a brilliant brace to send his nation to the FIFA World Cup. The Manchester United star latched onto an error by Ristovski for Portugal's first goal of the game. He combined beautifully with Ronaldo before tucking the ball past Stole Dimitrievski.

Fernandes' second goal of the game was even better. The 27-year-old smashed home a volley following a great pass from Diogo Jota. Apart from that, he won four duels, made seven recoveries, intercepted the ball once, created four chances and won one tackle during the game.

It was one of the best performances of his international career thus far.