Back to the Manchester United Newsfeed

'We have to continue respecting the opponent': Cristiano Ronaldo sends defiant message as Portugal close in on Qatar qualification... after giants Italy are knocked out of World Cup play-offs by North Macedonia

Cristiano Ronaldo has warned his Portugal teammates to continue 'respecting the opponent', knowing that North Macedonia stand in their way of a spot at the World Cup.

The 37-year-old played all 90 minutes as Portugal beat Turkey 3-1 on Thursday night to book a final play-off game against North Macedonia, who qualified after beating Italy in dramatic fashion.

Now, the Manchester United star has sent a defiant message to his team to remind them that 'nothing is won, nothing is achieved' yet.

Cristiano Ronaldo says Portugal mustn't underestimate North Macedonia in play-off game
The Italian's were beaten 1-0 at home to North Macedonia in their playoff semi-final

In an Instagram post, Ronaldo wrote: 'The first step has been taken towards our great objective, towards the 2022 World Cup.