Cristiano Ronaldo: 'We have taken first step towards World Cup'

Cristiano Ronaldo has said that Portugal have taken 'the first step' towards the 2022 World Cup following their semi-final win over Turkey on Thursday night.

Fernando Santos's side beat Turkey 3-1 in Porto to advance to the playoff final, where they will take on North Macedonia, who incredibly beat Italy 1-0 in their semi-final clash.

Ronaldo has said that Portugal will 'respect' North Macedonia but are confident of winning Tuesday's final to secure their position at this year's World Cup.

Está dado o primeiro passo rumo ao nosso grande objectivo, rumo ao Mundial 2022. Nada está ganho, nada está alcançado. Temos de continuar a trabalhar de forma séria e focada, respeitando o adversário mas acreditando sempre nas nossas capacidades. Força Portugal! Rumo ao Catar! 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/TO8IFKcC9v

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 24, 2022

"The first step has been taken towards our great objective, towards the 2022 World Cup. Nothing is won, nothing is achieved. We have to continue to work in a serious and focused way, respecting the opponent but always believing in our abilities. Power Portugal! Go to Qatar!" Ronaldo posted on Twitter.

Otavio and Diogo Jota sent Portugal two goals ahead against Turkey before Burak Yilmaz halved the deficit in the 65th minute of the contest.

Yilmaz then missed a late penalty for the visitors before Matheus Nunes made sure of the victory for A Selecao in the closing moments of the match.