Portugal vs North Macedonia LIVE: World Cup play-off final result, score and reaction

And it is looking more and more likely that Poland will be joining them. Goalscorer Piotr Zielinski is engulfed by a group of unused substitutes as he is replaced by Adam Buksa.

Hand slaps and hugs for Portugal as the flags wave in the stands. They got the job done in a professional manner, taking two chances in a clinical fashion and ensuring their place at a sixth successive World Cup.

PORTUGAL HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP IN QATAR

Into three added minutes in Porto, and a debut for home hero Vitinha, replacing Joao Moutinho. Portugal are going to the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

Polish manager Czeslaw Michniewicz tucks his hands in the pockets of what looks like a warm, dark coat. This would be some achievement. Remember that this is his first competitive game in charge of the senior national side.

Canny from Fernando Santos. He has both Joao Felix and Matheus Nunes ready to come on but directs the fourth official to only put up the number of the former, allowing him to kill yet more clock by making a second substitution when the ball next exits play.

A little scuffle wastes a minute for Poland. No sense, yet, that the home fans feel they are creeping towards qualification but time keeps ticking by.

In a time of crisis, send for the self-styled superhero: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on for Sweden. Jesper Karlsson, too. Marcus Danielson and Kristoffer Olsen take the fastest route possible off the Silesian Stadium surface.

Less than ten minutes of normal time remain in Porto and there is just a hint that North Macedonia may have started to tire. It’s been a gallant effort against a strong side but Portugal are looking good to be in Friday’s draw.

A goal that moves Poland even closer to qualification for Qatar 2022! It’s another against the run of play for Poland, Piotr Zielinski rushing through and finishing at the near post beyond Robin Olsen, who was rather slow to leave his line.