While on paper Cristiano Ronaldo’s side are huge favourites, the fact that their opponents won over Italy in Palermo on Thursday night makes them a potential banana peel. Italy had 32 shots in the game but couldn’t break through the North Macedonian defence.

Indeed, for all the quality that Portugal boast, they have been subject to strange slip-ups here and there, with Euro 2016 winner coach Fernando Santos coming under enormous pressure for his inability to really pull the plug. best use of his offensive talent.

For North Macedonia, it’s kind of a free kick. Growing on the international stage, they are a dangerous opponent in their own right but can afford to frustrate the home side before looking for a backlash, just as they did against the Italians.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game.

Date, kick-off time and venue

The World Cup play-off final is scheduled to kick off at 7.45pm BST on Tuesday 29 March 2022.

Porto’s Estadio do Dragao will host.

Where to watch Portugal vs North Macedonia

TV channel: The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Action.

Direct: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the game via the Sky Go app.

Portugal vs North Macedonia Team News

Experienced defender Pepe has returned to training after missing out on Portugal’s win over Turkey following a positive Covid test. Joao Cancelo is back from suspension and is set to replace Diogo Dalot in the starting XI.

Otavio is expected to partner Ronaldo and Diogo Jota in attack, with Jose Fonte alongside Pepe in defence.

For North Macedonia, Eljif Elmas and Tihomir Kostadinov return from suspension and could return to the squad.

However, the visitors may decide to keep faith with the side that produced a famous victory over the Italians.

Prediction Portugal vs North Macedonia

Portugal, despite their attacking talent, aren’t exactly renowned for their ability to break up teams. That said, they surely have enough to do, even if it’s not as simple as it may seem.

Portugal won 2-1.

Head-to-head history and results (h2h)

Portugal wins: 0

Draws: 1

North Macedonia wins: 0