Portugal managed to book their place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after beating North Macedonia 2-0 in front of their home crowd in the Estádio do Dragão. Portugal have now qualified for every tournament since the turn of the century thanks to a brace from Bruno Fernandes.Portugal were wary of the fact that North Macedonia had defeated heavy favourites Italy in their previous match but even so came into the play-off final confident they could overcome their opponents. Thus, there was no place for complacency.Portugal dominated possession and created several chances on goal and their intent was evident right from the start. But the home team lacked the extra bit of quality in the final third – as the half went on with no goal scored, the tension was growing within the Portuguese crowd. It was felt on the pitch as frustrations grew at the missed chances.The first massive chance came from Diogo Jota. Liverpool man had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring as Fernandes’ floated corner was headed towards goal – however, the ball kept rising just over the bar.Soon after, around the half-hour mark, a combination of relief and jubilation took over the stadium as Fernandes capitalised on a loose ball before linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 teed up his Manchester United teammate to slot in from the edge of the box.With a one-goal lead, confidence was evident in the home side as they dictated play with the North Macedonia players left chasing for the remaining minutes of the half.Pushing forward knowing they had to score a goal, North Macedonia came out in the second half with much more attacking intent. However, a stalwart Portuguese defence marshalled by the experienced Pepe stood firm and dealt with anything coming their way.Gaps began to appear at the back as the North Macedonians threw more men forward – which inevitably resulted in a second goal for Portugal. In the 65th minute, Jota finished off a swift counter attack with a whipped ball into the box which was superbly volleyed in by Fernandes.Frustrations began to boil over for North Macedonia with their World Cup dreams all but over. Meanwhile, for the experienced Portuguese players, it was a case of game management for the final 20 minutes with a secured qualification to the most famous football tournament.Elsewhere, Poland chose the opportune moment to beat Sweden for the first time since August 1991, as Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński scored to ensure their country will participate at the planetary tournament for the ninth time in their history.Polish men weren’t that much better but they converted their chances properly. Both goals for the home team came in the second half – Grzegorz Krychowiak came in from the bench and it was only a matter of minutes before the substitute was thrust into the limelight. Jesper Karlström clumsily bundled over Krychowiak in the box, leaving Italian referee Daniele Orsato with no option but to point to the spot. Despite the expectation of an entire country resting on his shoulders, the battle-hardened Lewandowski kept his cool to send Robin Olsen the wrong way, sparking wild scenes of jubilation amongst the home support.Sweden boss Janne Andersson attempted to ignite a fightback with the introduction of Anthony Elanga and Mattias Svanberg. Unfortunately for the Scandinavians, it went the other way around – it was the hosts who found the all-important second goal. Zieliński capitalised on a defensive mix-up to fire past Olsen, while in the process stamping Poland’s plane ticket to Qatar.The remainning two spots from Europe will be taken in June when Wales will face either Scotland or Ukraine.WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS – EUROPETuesdayPortugal – North Macedonia 2-0 (1-0)/Bruno Fernandes 32, 65/Poland – Sweden 2-0 (0-0)/Lewandowski 49 pen, Zielinski 73/Scotland – Ukraine POSTPONED
