Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo has urged his Portugal teammates to keep focussed as he aims to reach the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

He takes on North Macedonia on Tuesday night, and victory will see his nation book their place at the tournament, which takes place in eight months time.

Ronaldo wants his team to be quick out of the blocks against North Macedonia

The 37-year-old delivered a powerful message claiming the clash to be 'life or death', and also admitted he wants 'hell breaking loose' at Porto's Estadio do Dragao.

Fernando Santos' side defeated Turkey in their play-off semi-final, as North Macedonia produced one of the biggest shocks, by beating European champions Italy 1-0 to progress to the finals.

Ronaldo has claimed his country are confident they can get the better of Blagoja Milevski's side, but wants supporters to play a huge role in helping them to victory.

"I urge the fans - I want hell breaking loose at Dragao [Stadium]," said Ronaldo.

"I went to bed last night thinking that I want the stadium to shut down the music for our national anthem and let the fans sing it acapella to show our passion, our strength and union around the objective of reaching the World Cup."

Ronaldo, who has scored a world record 115 goals for Portugal during his career, described the importance of the clash.

Portugal dispatched Turkey 3-1 last Thursday

The World Cup in Qatar could be Ronaldo's last

"They have surprised [opponents] in many games but I believe they will not surprise us."

Meanwhile, boss Fernando Santos has claimed his team can't afford to start off 'light' against their foes.

Italy managed 32 shots on goal but only five of them on the target against North Macedonia, but were made to rue their missed chances when Aleksandar Trajkovski struck in stoppage time.

North Macedonia pulled off an incredible win over Euro 2020 champions Italy

"If we think that, theoretically, the Macedonians are weaker, we are on the wrong track, it's the worst possible scenario," said Santos.

"We have to face North Macedonia as we would have faced Italy."