Portugal and North Macedonia will battle on Tuesday in Porto with a spot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the line. The UEFA nations play in their playoff final after each got through the semifinals last week. Portugal uncomfortably beat Turkey at home 3-1, while North Macedonia pulled off the shocker, winning 1-0 at Italy to bounce the Azzurri. Extra time and penalty kicks are in play here if the game is tied after 90 and then 120 minutes, with the Portuguese as the heavy favorites, hosting this match at the Estadio Do Drogao. Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Tuesday, March 29 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Do Drogao -- Porto, Portugal
- TV: ESPN2 and TUDN
- Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
- Odds: Portugal -580; Draw +500; North Macedonia +1500 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Portugal: The mental approach will be key. Everybody, including them, expected this opponent to be Italy. Now, with an easier window of opportunity, they must not let their foot off the pedal. They have to be disciplined, keep to their style, and most importantly, they cannot take this team lightly. While they aren't a power, they still have quality and play with cohesion and determination in attack. Limit mistakes, get the ball forward quickly, and Portugal should be at the World Cup.
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North Macedonia: They already slayed the 2020 Euro champs, so why not do it to the 2016 champs? North Macedonia have nothing to lose, and that's a dangerous situation for their opponents. Much like at Italy, they will defend with everything they have and hope to get a good bounce and a clinical strike. Expect it to be ugly, physical and with 10 guys behind the ball often. They know they can pull this off.
Prediction
A Cristiano Ronaldo brace fires Portugal to the World Cup, ending North Macedonia's Cinderella run in qualifying. Pick: Portugal 2, North Macedonia 0
