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    Portugal 1 Serbia 2 LIVE REACTION: Mitrovic hits stoppage time winner to TOP group and send Ronaldo’s side to play-offs

    PORTUGAL will have to qualify for next year’s World Cup the hard way after they lost their final qualifying group game to Serbia 2-1. Aleksandr Mitrovic scored a 90th-minute winner, sparking rapturous Serb celebrations in Lisbon.
    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    QATAR CALLING
    What a dramatic night of international football!
    A goal one minute in, and another a minute from the end, while in between all was frantic, furious and fantastic.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header at the death sent Serbia soaring to the top of Group A and off to the World Cup. Portugal have been left on their knees, but will need to pick themselves up for the play-offs; if the qualifiers have been this good, we can’t wait for those!
    Goodnight.

    THE FINAL STANDINGS
    After eight games and eight months, it all came down to the final minute of the final match.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header means it’s Serbia that top Group A, and will automatically qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Portugal will have to make do with a play-off spot.

    Luxembourg 0-3 Republic of Ireland
    Portugal 1-2 Serbia

    Credit: UEFA.Com
    MITROVIC ON A MISSION
    Forget what Scott Parker thinks. Don’t listen to lazy pundits with their “lethal at Championship level” caveats.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic is one of the most lethal hitmen in the game.
    Credit: @Squawka Twitter
    SCENES AT ESTADIO DA LUZ
    Aleksandar Mitrovic’s goal prompted wild scenes of celebration inside Estadio Da Luz, and there was similar pure unbridled joy when the final whistle was blown.
    As Serbia’s bench rushed on to the pitch with their arms outstretched, Cristiano Ronaldo sunk to his knees and began to sob.
    In a game that was billed as two of the most lethal forwards in the game going head-to-head, it’s very much Mitrovic that has come out on top.

    FT: PORTUGAL 1-2 SERBIA
    The prince of Fulham is the king of Serbia tonight! Aleksandar Mitrovic came off the bench to score a last-gasp header to take Dragan Stojkovic’s team to the World Cup at the expense of their beaten hosts. It capped a terrific comeback on the night for Serbia, and a superb recovery for Mitrovic, who was the villain when missing a vital penalty against Scotland in the European Championship play-offs a year ago. This time, it’s the play-offs for Portugal, who couldn’t build on an early Renato Sanches goal to seal qualification. They’ll now have to do it the hard way in March.
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!SERBIA ARE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP!
    PORTUGAL 1-2 SERBIA
    90+4. Claims for a Portugal penalty, more in hope than expectation as Joao Felix goes down in the box, but it’s simply solid defending.
    Serbia are almost there.
    PORTUGAL 1-2 SERBIA
    90+3. Cristiano Ronaldo goes for goal from long range but it sails into the stands.
    You’re good, son. But you’re not Aleksandar Mitrovic good.
    PORTUGAL 1-2 SERBIA
    90+1. Into the first minute of four minutes stoppage time signalled by the fourth official.
    Now it’s Portugal that need a goal. What drama.
    PORTUGAL 1-2 SERBIA
    90. Unbelievable scenes in Lisbon!
    Aleksandar Mitrovic has done what he does best – and it surely means Serbia are going to the World Cup!
    In the final minute, Dusan Tadic works one final corner short, and curls a wonderful cross to the far post. Peeling off his man, Mitrovic meets it with a firm but well placed downward header that bounces up and beyond Rui Patrico.
    The shirt comes off as teammates and staff pile on top of the super sub! The night started with Portuguese celebrations, but it’s going to end with one hell of a Serbian party.
    It’s redemption for Mitrovic after his penalty miss in the European Championships play-offs against Scotland, he’s now taking his team to Qatar 2022.

    GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!MITRO’S ON FIRE!!
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    88. A promising Serbia chance falls apart when Tadic loses possession.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    87. You just get the feeling that there’s another goal in this, but whether it’s a dramatic winner for Serbia or Portugal on the break, I couldn’t guess.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    85. Fernando Santos eats up a few more seconds with another double substitution.
    Ruben Neves and Joao Felix are introduced this time; Diogo Jota and Renato Sanches – the man who started the evening off in sensational fashion – are withdrawn.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    83. The Serbian midfielder this time goes for the near post delivery, and this time it’s a certain Cristiano Ronaldo who is back to clear the lines for his country.
    Serbia keep on coming, however, and when Kostic curls in another beauty from the left, Mitrovic meets it on the run with a flashing header that spins a yard wide of the post.
    It’s a chance. A difficult one, but a chance all the same.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    82. A Tadic free-kick is flicked behind, and the midfielder will get another chance to test the Portugal defence with a set-piece.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    80. Another Tadic delivery, another easily claimed by Rui Patricio.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    79. Mendes takes no chances as he pokes behind another testing left wing cross for another Serbian corner.
    The game is on a knife edge. You can sense the nerves of those in the stands, and quite a few on the pitch too.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    76. Was that the moment?!
    A lovely low centre from Kostic is collected by Vlahovic, who takes a delicate touch to flick the ball up, and then hits a volley that smashes into a defender.
    The ball ricochets on to Mitrovic, who is immediately called offside.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    75. Into the final quarter of an hour, and Serbia still need a goal.
    Is it time to start throwing players forward?
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    73. A brilliant block tackle from Nuno Mendes stops a potentially dangerous corner from entering the Portugal six-yard box, but does bring a corner for the visitors.
    It comes to nothing when Danilo is adjudged to have been fouled.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    72. All these free-kicks and bookings have made the game incredibly stop-start, slowing it down from its frenetic first half pace.
    It almost certainly suits Portugal.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    70. And another one!
    It’s Nikola Milenkovic carded this time for cynically blocking the path of Jota.
    It was initially reported that he was booked for dissent in the first half, but that now appears to be inaccurate.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    67. And now Renato Sanches joins Pavlovic in Daniele Orsato’s book.
    The Portugal goalscorer is cautioned for bringing down Dusan Vlahovic as he threatened to break.
    PORTUGAL 1-1 SERBIA
    66. Pavlovic slides in on newcomer Palhinha on the near touchline and concedes a free-kick.
    The centre-back points out that he got a touch on the ball, but referee Daniele Orsato points out that he went through his opponent to do so – as he pulls out his yellow card.
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    Northern Ireland vs Italy: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for massive World Cup qualifier

    ITALY have a big task on their hands as they take on Northern Ireland in a crucial final World Cup qualifying game in Belfast. The Italians spurned their chance to reach Qatar earlier this week when Jorginho blazed his penalty over in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
    Italy need a win to qualify for next year’s World Cup in QatarCredit: Reuters
    Northern Ireland take on Portugal at Windsor ParkCredit: Pacemaker
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    And now they must defeat Northern Ireland, who are fighting for pride and the opportunity to finish the group in third.
    Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and after losing out in the play-offs, which they’ll have to navigate once again if they don’t overcome Ian Baraclough’s side.
    When does Northern Ireland vs Italy kick-off?

    Northern Ireland vs Italy will get underway from 7.45pm UK time on Monday, November 15.
    The game will take place at Windsor Park in Belfast.
    There will be a full capacity crowd in attendance to watch the clash.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Northern Ireland vs Italy will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go apps, both of which are available for streaming onto your mobile or tablet device.

    Team news
    Ciro Immobile won’t be available for Roberto Mancini as he is still recovering from injury.
    Marco Verratti also won’t play as he is on the sidelines with a knock himself, with Giorgio Chiellini ruled out with a thigh problem.
    Andrea Belotti is expected to lead the Italy frontline.
    Ali McCann and Josh Magennis could start after their brilliant performances against Lithuania.
    Jonny Evans should join the pair in a three-man defence.

    Odds

    Northern Ireland – 12/1
    Draw – 9/2
    Italy – 1/4

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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    Gareth Bale leads Wales squad in T-shirt tribute to David Brooks and Daniel Barden after pair’s shock cancer news

    GARETH BALE and his team-mates paid tribute to two Welsh players who have been hit by cancer. Senior star David Brooks of Bournemouth, 24, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last month.
    Bale leading the tributes to Brooks and BardenCredit: Reuters
    Bale and his Welsh team-mates wore the T-shirts before Saturday’s clash with BelarusCredit: Rex
    The T-shirts had a message of support for the poor starsCredit: PA
    Then Wales U21 and Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Barden was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
    Wales captain, 32, Bale and his pals wore T-shirts pre-match with messages of support.
    The tops read in Welsh: “I David. I Dan.” which means ‘For David. For Dan”.
    Bale and co made the gesture just minutes before the Real Madrid forward led his side out to prior to winning his 100th cap against Belarus in Cardiff on Saturday night.
    Wales kept their World Cup dream alive with a crushing 5-1 with, as Aaron Ramsey netted twice.
    Both players are currently undergoing treatment in a bid to cure the illness.

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    Bournemouth’s players also recently paid an emotional tribute to Brooks in their game against Bristol City.
    Scott Parker’s men came out for the warm-up wearing black T-shirts with a message printed on the front and Brooks’ No7 on the back.
    The tops said: “Together as one, stay strong Brooksy.”
    And when Jamal Lowe scored, the team celebrated by gathering and holding up a ‘Brooks 7’ green away shirt.
    Arsenal meanwhile paid tribute to former player Barden after his diagnosis last month.
    The Gunners wrote on Twitter: “We’re so sorry to hear this Dan, but we know from your time with us that you’ll fight this with everything you’ve got.
    “Everyone at Arsenal sends their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
    “Once a Gooner, always a Gooner. We’re all right behind you.”
    Bournemouth star David Brooks diagnosed with cancer and wants to ‘make a full recovery and be back playing’ More

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    Watch as Real Madrid ace Casemiro boots ball into Man Utd star Fred’s FACE during Brazil’s 1-0 win against Colombia

    REAL MADRID and Brazil midfielder Casemiro booted the ball off international team-mate Fred’s face.The Manchester United man has been in the wars in recent weeks.

    Fred was a bit too close for comfortCredit: TWITTER: idextratime

    Casemiro’s blistering clearance will probably leave Fred with a sore lipCredit: TWITTER: idextratime

    And he was in the firing line again on Friday as Brazil took on Colombia in a World Cup qualifier.
    Fred was a bit too close to the Real man as he attempted to hook the ball high into the air.
    And it bounced clean off the United midfielders face, leaving him dazed.
    Fred will have a sore lip today, that’s for sure.
    Brazil went on to win the tight contest 1-0, maintaining their perfect unbeaten record in the qualifying group.
    Highly rated Lyon ace Lucas Paqueta got the goal, but was hooked off with four minutes to go, and was replaced by Liverpool’s Fabinho.
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    The five-time World Cup winners are a whopping six points ahead of rivals Argentina, who are also unbeaten, but have drawn four times.
    Some joked saying Casemiro’s face-smashing clearance counts as a shot on target.
    One said on Twitter: “Casemiro shot on target > > > Fred.”
    Another suggested Casemiro is tired of playing with Fred, so he tried to take him out.
    They said: “Even Casemiro is tired of Fred.”
    Man Utd fans and legends have been frustrated with the teams performance so far this season, including Fred.
    Notably Roy Keane, who said he’d ‘grab’ manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and say ‘why are you playing Fred’.
    The Red Devils sit sixth in the league, nine points off table toppers Chelsea despite having Cristiano Ronaldo at their disposal.
    United have also scraped a series of wins in the Champions League.
    Fred’s Prem stats
    But another fan says Casemiro is more fed up of Fred than those who have to watch the Brazilian week in, week out.
    They said: “Casemiro is as Fed Up with Fred as Manchester United fans.”
    Fred does, however, perform better for country than club. When he’s alongside Casemiro or Fabinho, the box-to-box midfielder looks more assured.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Cristiano Ronaldo makes Fred’s son’s day by stopping for picture with him More

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    England ace Harry Maguire says celebration ‘wasn’t directed at anyone’ as Roy Keane brands Man Utd skipper a ‘disgrace’

    HARRY MAGUIRE insists his celebration in England’s World Cup qualifier against Albania ‘wasn’t directed’ at anyone.The Manchester United skipper cupped both of his ears after opening the scoring in the Three Lions’ 5-0 win at Wembley on Friday night.
    Harry Maguire bagged England’s opener against AlbaniaCredit: Alamy
    The Manchester United skipper then proceeded to put his hands to his earsCredit: Reuters
    But the defender insists the celebration ‘wasnt directed’ at anyoneCredit: EPA
    Maguire’s gesture appeared to be a message to his vocal critics, but the under-fire centre-back is adamant there was no meaning behind the celebration.
    In his post-match interview, the £80milllion defender said: “No, it wasn’t directed at no one.
    “It was a knee slide, I obviously put my hands on my ears, but no.
    “I’m Manchester United captain, of course I’m going to get criticism when the team isn’t doing well, I fully expect that.
    “But of course it’s not directed at no one.”
    Maguire’s celebration enraged Manchester United legend and ITV pundit Roy Keane.

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    The Irishman fumed: “Puts his hands to his ears like he shutting the critics up.
    “But I think that’s embarrassing.
    “He’s been a disgrace the last couple months for Manchester United.
    “He thinks if he scores there, he’s going to shut his critics up. Embarrassing.”
    Former England hitman Ian Wright said of Maguire’s celebration: “You just don’t need to do it.
    “It’s something I probably would have done.
    Maguire’s celebration enraged Manchester United legend Roy KeaneCredit: ITV
    “He’s got a lot of football to play, so don’t give them the opportunity to say, ‘Right we got to him.’ Just play your game, Harry.”
    England’s annihilation of Albania saw them stretch their lead at the top of Group I to three points and virtually seal their place in next winter’s tournament.
    And Maguire admits the team went into the match with a point to prove following a disappointing draw with Hungary in their last qualifier.
    He said: “I think when you play for England there’s always an edge.
    “There’s that pressure that you’ve got to go and win a football match.
    “We didn’t win the last game, against Hungary, we were disappointed with the performance; we spoke about that, we analysed that.

    “I think if you don’t play with an edge when you play for your country, there’s something wrong.”
    Maguire and his England team-mates will be back in action on Monday evening, taking on rock bottom San Marino.
    The former Leicester City ace will resume club duties next Saturday when United travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford.

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    Southgate comments on Harry Maguire’s bizarre celebration following England goal More

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    Portugal vs Serbia: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup 2022 qualifier

    PORTUGAL face a decider at home to Serbia as they look to qualify for the World Cup.Should Cristiano Ronaldo earn a point or more they will secure a plane ticket to Qatar.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was left fuming when the linesman chose not to award him a goal in the last minute away to SerbiaCredit: EPA
    Serbia are unbeaten in this World Cup qualifying campaignCredit: Getty
    But if Serbia win then the Portuguese will be forced into a four-team play-off.
    Ronaldo, in particular, will be keen to get one over the Serbs after a controversial 2-2 draw when the sides met in Belgrade.
    The Portugal captain thought he had netted a last minute winner for his side that night, but the linesman ruled that the ball had not crossed the line and there was no goalline technology to award the goal.
    Furious after receiving a booking for his complaints, Ronaldo threw his captain’s armband onto the turf at full time.
    But in a positive twist, the armband was sold by Serbian firefighters for £54k and the money was donated to six-month old Gavril Djurdjevic to help pay for treatment for spinal muscular atrophy.
    What time does Portugal vs Serbia kick off?

    Portugal take on Serbia on Sunday, November 14.
    The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time.
    It takes place at the Estadio da Luz, Lisbon.

    What TV channel is Portugal vs Serbia on and can I live stream it?

    Portugal vs Serbia is live on the Sky Sports Red Button.
    Sky Sports subscribers can stream the game live on Sky Go, the Sky Sports website or app.

    Team news
    Bernardo Silva is set to return for Portugal after missing the 0-0 draw in Ireland due to a muscular issue.
    Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Diogo Jota were all left on the bench in Dublin as they were all a booking away from suspension.
    But one man who will be suspended is Pepe, who was sent off against the Irish after following up a deliberate handball by catching Callum Robinson with a flailing arm.
    Serbia boss Dragan Stojkovic will need to decide whether to play in-demand Dusan Vlahovic and record scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic in a front two or leave one of the pair on the bench.
    The likes of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Dusan Tadic are almost certain to return to the side after starting on the bench against Qatar.
    Matija Nastasic, Marko Petkovic, Filip Djuricic and Darko Lazovic all miss out through injury.
    Latest odds
    Portugal 4/11
    Draw 15/4
    Serbia 8/1
    *Odds from Betfair correct as of Thursday, November 11 More

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    Moldova 0 Scotland 2: Patterson and Adams seal play-off spot as Tartan Army within sight of first World Cup since 1998

    SCOTLAND booked their place in the World Cup play-offs – and Steve Clarke immediately set his sights on a seeded spot.Nathan Patterson and Che Adams scored in Moldova to put the Tartan Army within just two games of Qatar 2022.
    Scotland booked their place in the World Cup play-offsCredit: Rex
    But Clarke’s side can improve their chances of a first World Cup finals in 24 years by avoiding defeat to Denmark at Hampden on Monday night.
    And the gaffer said: “It’s an important game for us. We can hopefully secure a seeding for the play-offs, which would be nice.
    “It won’t be a disaster if we don’t get it because we are still going to have to deal with two difficult matches whether you are seeded or not. But we want to finish the campaign on a high.
    “It’s been a good campaign for us but we want to finish on a high in front of a full house at Hampden against a very, very good Denmark team.
    “It’s a measure of a good group of players who want to do well for their country and are desperate to get to another tournament.
    “Back in March we were ten or 12 games away from Qatar. Now we are two games away from Qatar so that is a major improvement.
    “We don’t get over-excited. It’s nice to be in the play-offs and we want to go through them and get to Qatar – that is the aim. The players have been fantastic.”

    Scotland have now won five games on the spin.
    Clarke added: “It was also important to have that momentum when we went to the play-off game against Serbia away.
    “That was our ninth game unbeaten and we are on a similar run.
    “But the Denmark game is particularly important because hopefully if we get one or three points out of the game it should secure a play-off for us which wouldn’t make the play-off easy but it would give us a home game at Hampden in the first one.”
    Rangers star Patterson fired Scotland ahead with his first goal for his country after 38 minutes. Adams then made it 2-0 in 65 minutes.
    There was late drama when Moldova were awarded a penalty after a VAR decision. But Craig Gordon saved the spot-kick.
    Clarke added: “He didn’t really surprise me. Craig is in the form of his life.
    Nathan Patterson opened the scoring against MoldovaCredit: Rex
    Che Adams celebrates his goal against MoldovaCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
    “He had one in the first-half which was a save that Craig would expect to make but it was a good save.
    “Obviously the penalty is something that our goalkeepers seem to have become quite good at recently, saving penalties.
    “The penalty save was important for us because it took out that nervous last ten minutes.
    “I’ve got to mention Kieran Tierney’s recovery to make the tackle on the boy who was just about to tap it in. That was outstanding defending.”
    Eight players are one yellow away from missing the play-off game – skipper Andy Robertson plus Adams, John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Jack Hendry, Kevin Nisbet and Stephen O’Donnell.
    Clarke said: “It’s just one of those things. It’s part and parcel the process of getting there.
    “I thought long and hard about it because we spoke about the possibility of getting some players booked then missing the game against Denmark on Monday.”
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    Watch Harry Kane hit back with a bang as amazing overhead kick seals first-half perfect hat-trick for England vs Albania

    HARRY KANE sealed an incredible perfect first-half hat-trick for England against Albania with an overhead kick. The Three Lions went into the break 5-0 up thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Kane.
    harry Kane’s overhead kick against AlbaniaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

    England’s skipper headed home his first, smashed the second with his left but saved the best till last.
    Following Phil Foden’s corner, Kane beautifully smashed it past Albanian keeper Thomas Strakosha with an amazing bicycle kick.
    The forward because the first England player score a perfect hat-trick since David Platt in February 1993 against San Marino.
    It was just the boost he needed having suffered a dip in form for Tottenham, scoring just once in his ten Premier League matches this season.

    Kane admitted England’s heroic European Championship campaign, where they were beaten by Italy in the final, and failed move to Manchester City took its toll.
    He said: “You go through the highs and lows of a tournament, coming so close to a dream and it being taken away from you in such a quick moment.
    “And then it was my first summer of transfer speculation, having to deal with those situations.
    “So of course it takes a toll mentally — but I’ve always had good friends and family around me.”
    But Manchester United legend Roy Keane urged the striker to leave it in the past and kick on.
    He said on ITV: “He’s got to liven up. He’s got to liven up. He’s got to look at himself and say, ‘get over these disappointments’.
    “Listen, he plays for Spurs he should be used to disappointment.”
    Young Tottenham fan who ran on pitch to get Harry Kane’s shirt is questioned by police and has top confiscated More