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

Top defensive work from Nuno Mendes this time! The Portugal left-back matches up to Stefan Ristovski, overlapping from the right of the visiting defence, and holds his position well to both block and clear as the North Macedonian captain tries to cross.

Better from North Macedonia. They look well organised, again, and are managing to shut down space well, crowding the Portuguese player on the ball as they try to make forward progress.

Poland and Sweden are yet to fully settle down into their fixture. It does appear to be rather damp, which is not necessarily helping.

A first glimpse for Portugal! Nuno Mendes whips one into the corridor of uncertainty between the goalkeeper and a retreating defence and it skips invitingly across the six-yard area, but is out of reach of Cristiano Ronaldo, sniffing at the far post. Portugal can’t keep it in play on the right but that’s a first forward foray of real promise for the hosts.

Loud jeering from the Polish fans as Sweden play the ball around a slippery Chorzow surface - and it works, forcing an error on the left. That crowd could make a difference.

North Macedonia have begun with good energy in Porto. Elif Elmas appears to be playing as the central attacking midfielder, and Joao Moutinho is having to keep a close eye on the Napoli man. It is a remarkably attacking Portugal midfield.

By the way, this is Czesław Michniewicz first competitive game in charge of Poland after replacing Paulo Sousa in January. Can he guide them to the World Cup? He looks pretty relaxed on the home bench as he watches the early exchanges.

And a couple of minutes later than scheduled, Poland vs Sweden is off and running, too!

North Macedonia start with what looks like a 4-2-3-1, but you’d suggest they may morph and mould that throughout the night. They start well, winning a throw in on the left high up after pressing Portugal, but can’t make anything of the chance.

Portugal vs North Macedonia has begun!