Cristiano Ronaldo could miss out on exclusive three-man World Cup club after Portugal’s shock defeat to Serbia
CRISTIANO RONALDO'S Portugal suffered a dramatic last minute defeat to Serbia on Sunday night, potentially damaging his chances of making history.
Portugal's spot at Qatar 2022 isn't guaranteed, so Ronaldo might not have the chance to become only the fourth player in history to play at FIVE World Cup finals.
Germany's Lothar Matthaus and Mexican duo Rafael Marquez and Antonio Carbajal are the only other three players in history to achieve the feat.
Ronaldo has previously appeared at the 2006, 2010, 2014 AND 2018 World Cups, but may not add 2022 to his tally.
CR7's great rival Lionel Messi meanwhile WILL equal the incredible record with Argentina well placed to qualify for next year's tournament.
Matthaus appeared for West Germany and Germany at five consecutive World Cups between 1982 and 1998.
Marquez meanwhile turned out for Mexico at every World Cup from 2002-2018, while Carbajal achieved the feat for the same nation between 1950 and 1966.
Another Mexican - midfielder Andres Guardado - could also appear at his fifth World Cup if Mexico qualify and he is selected.
So while two new players could join the exclusive club next year, Ronaldo may not be one of them.
Unless of course Portugal progress through the play-offs.
But the 36-year-old Manchester United man reacted angrily to Portugal's heart-breaking last minute defeat to Serbia on Sunday night.
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He collapsed to the ground at full time in disbelief, and was almost reduced to TEARS.
After overcoming the initial shock he threw a strop as he left the pitch before moaning at Portugal boss Fernando Santos.
His side had needed just a point at the start of the game to finish top of Group A above Serbia and qualify for Qatar 2022.
And a Renato Sanches goal just two minutes into the game had seemingly put the Euro 2016 winners on their way to the World Cup.
But Serbia had not read the script and equalised just after half an hour through ex-Southampton man Dusan Tadic.
At that point even a point would have been enough for Portugal to win the group and send Serbia into the play-offs.
But a dramatic 90th minute header from Fulham star Mitrovic turned the game on its head and sent Serbia through as group winners, with Portugal second.
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