Iran Press/ Europe: Portugal only needed a draw at home to second-placed Serbia in Lisbon on Sunday night to book their place in next year's tournament, and despite taking the lead early on through Renato Sanches - Fernando Santos' side failed to hold on, eventually losing the game after Aleksandar Mitrovic scored in the last minute to give Serbia the win.
The loss on the night meant that Portugal would now need to win their playoff game to secure a spot in Qatar. It also meant that Ronaldo missed out on equalling a World Cup record as automatic qualification told that he would be playing his fifth World Cup finals.
Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus and the Mexican duo of Rafael Marquez and Antonio Carbajal are the only other players who have competed in five different World Cups.
The 36-year-old's long-term rival, Lionel Messi, will have a chance to join this exclusive club next summer should Argentina – as expected – seal its place in tournament.
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