Manchester United & Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo said in an interview which happened recently on Thursday there are “difficult battles” ahead if Portugal needs to qualify for the Qatar world cup for the sixth consecutive time.
Portugal who won the 2016 Euros has to face Turkey in a play-off semi-final in March before a possible final against the 2020 Euro champions Italy.
“It would be very sad if we did not reach our objective, which is the World Cup,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said as quoted by ESPN Brasil.
Cristiano has not failed to take part in a major international tournament since making his debut for his nation in 2003. Ronaldo has played in five Euros, four Worldcup. Os Navegadores host Turkey on March 24 while Italy will face North Macedonia, with the final to be played five days later.
One of the last two European champions will not be able to book their ticket for the Qatar World Cup which will take place from November 21 to December 18.
