'Destroyed': Ronaldo fumes at coach after shock World Cup twist
Cristiano Ronaldo cut a dejected photo after Portugals World Cup qualification loss to Serbia, but his reaction after to snub his coach has many fans talking.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored in the 90th minute as Serbia stunned hosts Portugal 2-1 to qualify for next year's World Cup in Qatar, and leave Cristiano Ronaldo in danger of missing out on the tournament.
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Mitrovic came off the bench to score the winner with a header after the Portugal defence failed to clear a cross into the area, sparking wild celebrations on Serbia's bench.
The 36-year-old Ronaldo complained with his teammates and, after the final whistle, collapsed to the floor and buried his head in his lap after realising the opportunity that had slipped through his nation's grasp.
However, a few moments later coach Santos went over to console Ronaldo.
The Manchester United appeared to snub his coach's gesture and could be seen waving his arms in frustration.
Fans felt it could have been due to Portugal's rather cautious approach to the game, which ultimately cost them a point and automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Ronaldo angry with Santos after the game and rightly so, he is one of the worst managers in football rn
pic.twitter.com/swpV8wmfzw— Chiesa🏄🏾♂️ (@Hazariio) November 14, 2021
It’s the first time I’ve seen Ronaldo so destroyed man.pic.twitter.com/zjR3KLZSre
— NOWORNEVER (@Alcarrer721) November 15, 2021
Keep telling me that Penaldo is a team player. Look at how he speaks to his coach while still out on the pitch. This just undermines Santos, no matter how bad a coach he might be.
But he'll get labelled a "competitor". 🤦#Cristiano #Ronaldo #Portugalpic.twitter.com/obgxlt6dGg— #LM7 MessiGOAT (@GOA7Messi) November 15, 2021
Ronaldo Santos 🧐 pic.twitter.com/MkUrDAHXCL
— alliiooo (@Alliiiooooo) November 14, 2021
Earlier, visiting captain Dusan Tadic with a deflected strike had cancelled out an early Renato Sanches opener for Portugal.
Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic said his side "deserved to win tonight" and that qualification was a " massive accomplishment for Serbian football".
Portugal miss World Cup chance
Ronaldo is the men's all-time record-scorer in international soccer with 115 goals.
A draw would have been enough for the hosts, with Portugal trying to qualify for the World Cup for the sixth straight time.
Now Portugal will have to face the playoffs, involving the other nine group runners-up and two group winners from the UEFA Nations League.
The 12 countries will play next March in three four-team brackets, with the seeded teams getting a home game in the bracket semi-finals.
Serbia, which had never beaten Portugal, finished top of Group A with 20 points, three more than second-place Portugal.
with AAP
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