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The final of their play-off group for the World Cup against North Macedonia is a “matter of life and death” for Portgual, according to the star of the Portuguese team, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the pre-match. The Manchester United player, who was blunt about his future, hopes to qualify for his fifth World Cup with his team, and have another chance to lift the trophy for the first time at 37 years old. The champion of the match in Porto will secure a place in the final phase of the world at the end of the year in Qatar.
“The team is confident, I feel that all the players are ready,” Ronaldo confided at a press conference on Monday. “For us this match It is a matter of life and deathWe are aware of its importance and I take this opportunity to ask the fans for their incredible support tomorrow.”
Portugal would surely have expected to face Italy in the play-off final, but the reigning European champions were upset at home by North Macedonia last week. The Macedonians also achieved a surprising victory in Germany in the World Cup qualifying group stage.
That’s why Ronaldo warns: “We played against North Macedonia and of course people believe that they will be an easy opponent. But from my point of view, it will be a very tough game because if the Macedonians are here, it’s because they deserve it.”
“North Macedonia is a very organized team, but if Portugal is at their best level, they can beat any team in the world,” concluded the Portuguese.
He does not rule out the 2026 World Cup
Ronaldo, the greatest goalscorer in international soccer history, will be 41 years old by the time the 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But the Manchester United attacker did not reveal if Qatar would be his last chance to play in the great world football event.
«The only one who will decide my future will be me“, said. “If I want to play more, I will play, if I don’t want to, I won’t play. Period », he sentenced.
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