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Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup hopes take blow as Serbia shock Portugal to win group

Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes for the 2022 World Cup took a big blow as Serbia clinched an automatic berth to the tournament in a comeback 2-1 win over Portugal in their Group A qualifier on Sunday.

A 90th-minute header by halftime substitute Aleksandar Mitrovi lifted Serbia into top spot on 20 points, three more than second-placed Portugal, who only needed a draw to finish top on goal difference and qualify.

Instead, Ronaldo and Co. will now head into the March playoffs.

Mitrovic beat home goalkeeper Rui Patricio with a downward header at the far post to spark wild celebrations on Serbia's bench after visiting captain Dusan Tadic had cancelled out an early Renato Sanches opener for Portugal.