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Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic became his country’s all-time leading scorer with 39 goals in 63 international appearances after scoring in a home draw with Portugal in an exciting Group A qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup. Saturday.
Serbia fended off two goals against to earn a share of the loot when Fulham forward Mitrovic slashed one in the 46th minute and Filip Kostic tied after Diogo Jota’s double gave Portugal a 2-0 lead in the First half.
The match had a controversial climax as Cristiano Ronaldo was denied a clear stoppage time winner for Portugal when Serbian defender Stefan Mitrovic cleared the ball after it crossed the line, as shown on television replays.
But without a video assistant referee in place, Dutch referee Danny Makelie kept the game going and Ronaldo saw his follow-up shot cleared off the line before he was booked for dissent.
Seconds earlier, Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic was sent off after receiving a direct red card for a reckless challenge to Portuguese midfielder Danilo Pereira.
Liverpool forward Jota put the European champion Portugal ahead with a header in the 11th minute from a superb assist from Bernardo Silva and added another in the 36th as he looked home with a Cedric Soares cross from the right.
But Serbia roared in their Rajko Mitic stadium and half-time substitute Nemanja Radonjic, who designed both goals, gave his scorers a barbecue after the break and also managed a good save from Portugal goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.
The result left both teams with four points from two games, as Serbia edged the Republic of Ireland 3-2 at home in their opener on Wednesday, while Portugal beat Azerbaijan 1-0.
The result was also a bittersweet milestone for Portugal coach Fernando Santos, who reached a rare milestone of 1,000 games as head coach at club and international level combined in his 33-year career on the bench.
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