Portugal qualified for the World Cup thanks to goal difference.

Ronaldo and his teammates defeated Switzerland 2-0 in their final match to take the lead in Group B of the European qualifying round.

Goals: Djourou 41' own goal, Andre Silva 57'

Facing group leaders Switzerland, Portugal needed a win to close the points gap. And the red-shirted team once again brought joy to their home fans with a brilliant performance.

Portugal opened the scoring in the 41st minute, after a period of continuous pressure, with an attack from the left wing. Following a cross into the Swiss penalty area, the visiting goalkeeper Yann Sommer deflected the ball off defender Johan Djourou's leg, resulting in an own goal.

Andre Silva sealed a 2-0 victory for Portugal. Photo: Reuters

Relieved of the pressure, Portugal attacked more effectively from the start of the second half. And the "sweet reward" soon came for the home team when Andre Silva sealed the 2-0 victory in the 57th minute. The striker wearing the number 17 shirt needed two touches to successfully finish after receiving a cross from his same-named player, Bernardo Silva, across the 5.5-meter box.

Portugal's captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, played the entire match but didn't have many opportunities. Instead of scoring directly, CR7 became a "magnet" attracting the opposing defense, creating space for his teammates.

The Swiss defense always kept a close eye on Ronaldo.

Switzerland only attacked more from the end of the first half, especially after conceding the second goal. Apart from a few shots from Xhaka and Shaqiri, the white-shirted team hardly put any pressure on goalkeeper Rui Patricio's goal.

With a 2-0 victory, Portugal not only leveled the score at 27 points with Switzerland but also pulled ahead on goal difference. The reigning European champions lead Group B after 10 matches thanks to a goal difference of +28, while the Swiss team only has +16.

By finishing top of Group B, Portugal became one of nine European teams to qualify directly for the World Cup. The other eight teams are France, Germany, Serbia, Poland, England, Spain, Belgium, and Iceland.

Meanwhile, having finished second, Switzerland had to join the group of eight teams awaiting a play-off for a last-chance qualification spot, alongside Italy, Denmark, Croatia, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Greece, and the Republic of Ireland.

Granit Xhaka and his teammates will have to play two more playoff matches if they want to qualify for the World Cup.

Slovakia also finished second (in Group F) but were eliminated due to having the lowest number of points among the second-placed teams. The draw for the play-offs will take place on October 17th, with the matches to be played in early November.

According to VNE