Crybaby Ronaldo!

European Qualifications for the upcoming World Cup provided a night of high-octane entertainment and controversy as the referee failed to spot what would have been an injury-time Cristiano Ronaldo winner. It wasn't given and the Portuguese went ballistic at the officials. Ronaldo was booked for protesting and he reacted by walking off the pitch just before the final whistle, throwing his captain’s armband to the ground in anger.

Portugal were cruising to a win that would put them top of their group and on course for the World Cup and were 2-0 ahead at half time thanks to two Diogo Jota headers but a resurgent Serbia, inspired by their new coach Dragan ‘Piksi’ Stojkovic gave an inspired second-half performance to claim a point in Belgrade.

The visitors applied heavy pressure late on and they thought it paid off in injury time just to see the Dutch referee remain silent after a goalline clearance from Serbia and Strasbourg captain Stefan Mitrovic. There is no VAR and no goal technology in use, so the goal was not awarded. The home side will be thankful for the non-decision and will consider it a reward from above for their comeback. Portugal, on the other side, cannot come to terms with the result after squandering a commanding lead.

To be a great sportsman, you have to keep your dignity even when you’re facing injustice or officials’ mistakes but Cristiano Ronaldo failed at doing so. He acted like a crybaby that threw its toy out of the pram. He should have known better but he allowed frustration to take over him. Later last night, he took to Instagram to explain that his actions were down to national pride.

"I always give and will give everything for my country, that will never change. But there are difficult times to deal with, especially when we feel that an entire nation is being harmed."

Portugal coach Fernando Santos couldn’t hide his dismay after the game.

"We scored a goal that was not given when the ball went in. In a match of this level, that isn't possible."

Regardless of all injury-time controversy, the hosts have to be given credit for their heroic second-half performance against the reigning European champions. Nemanja Radonjic's half-time introduction proved crucial for Serbia as he set up Aleksandar Mitrovic and Filip Kostic to net in the first 15 minutes of the second period. Fulham striker Mitrovic became the best goalscorer in the history of the country’s national team with 39 strikes. He was emotional at the final whistle and shed tears of joy as he tried to explain just how much it meant to him.

After two matches played, Serbia top the group thanks to having scored more goals than second-placed Portugal. The race for Qatar 2022 will be an intriguing one until the end!