Ronaldo: Portugal has ‘no excuses,’ must make Qatar World Cup

Lisbon, Nov 15 (EFE).- Cristiano Ronaldo said on Monday there were “no excuses” for Portugal not to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar despite the team’s defeat to Serbia, which means it will have to tough it out in the play-offs.

“Yesterday’s result was tough, but not enough to knock us down,” the Portuguese superstar said in an Instagram post.

A Portugal victory over Serbia would have guaranteed a spot in Qatar.

But now they will head into the play-offs in March after finishing second in the group.

“We strongly maintain our objective to be present at the World Cup in 2022 and we know what we have to do to get there. No excuses,” the statement on Ronaldo’s social media read.

Portugal lost 1-2 to Serbia, felled by a goal in the 90th minute.

“Football has shown us time and again that sometimes it is the most winding roads that lead us to the most desired results.”

The European play-offs will involve 12 teams, with three winners securing a place in Qatar. EFE

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