Portugal, Ronaldo at risk of missing World Cup after late loss to Serbia

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are in danger of missing the 2022 World Cup.

A 90th-minute goal from Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Serbia a stunning 2-1 win over Portugal in Lisbon on Sunday, clinching top spot in Group A - and an automatic berth in next year's tournament - for the visiting nation.

As a result, Portugal finishes second in the group and now has to navigate a tricky qualification playoff in March to earn a ticket to Qatar. The Selecao have reached every major international tournament since missing the 1998 World Cup.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is aiming to play in the showpiece event for a record-equaling fifth time.

Portugal will be joined by 11 other teams in the aforementioned qualification playoff. The 12 countries will be divided into three four-team brackets, with single-elimination matches determining which sides clinch the final three places allocated to UEFA for next year's tournament.

The draw for the playoffs will be held on Nov. 26.

Portugal appeared to be sitting pretty after Renato Sanches scored in the second minute of Sunday's match at the Estadio da Luz; Fernando Santos' men went into the contest needing only a draw to secure their place in Qatar.

But Serbia battled back, getting an equalizer from Dusan Tadic in the 33rd minute before Mitrovic sealed the comeback with a last-gasp header that sparked wild celebrations with his teammates.

It was a redemption of sorts for the Fulham striker, who was the only player to squander his penalty a year ago when Serbia lost a shootout to Scotland and therefore failed to qualify for Euro 2020.