Sunday's meeting between Serbia and Portugal marks the first clash between the two nations since Cristiano Ronaldo was denied a clear injury-time winner, leading to the captain furiously throwing his armband on the floor and leaving the field.
Referee Danny Makkelie later apologised for the misdemeanour as the 36-year-old's late strike, which would've surely been the winner, wasn't spotted to see Portugal miss out on two points.
With the narrative set, tonight's game has a lot riding on it as a win for Dragan Stojković's side would seal automatic qualification for next year's World Cup at Portugal's expense. A draw for Fernando Santos' men is enough.
In March's reverse fixture, a Diogo Jota brace fired Portugal into a comfortable half-time lead but Serbia fought back through Aleksandar Mitrovic and Filip Kostic.
Then, with the game heading towards a draw, a searching diagonal pass was met by Ronaldo who poked the ball past the diving Marko Dmitrovic and over the line as Stefan Mitrovic's desperate slide cleared the ball.
But the evidence showed the ball had crossed the line with the Manchester United striker wheeling off in celebration before venting his frustration to the assistant referee as play continued.
The goal ultimately wasn't given, Ronaldo was booked for his protests but the aggravated skipper stormed off the pitch hauling the captain's armband to the ground as the draw became tarnished with controversy.
His reaction and actions with the armband caused some upset, but Ronaldo posted on Instagram after the game: "There are moments which are tough to digest especially when we feel the entire nation is being punished.
"We will keep our heads up and move on to the next challenge."
"As per FIFA's policies, all I can say is that I apologised to the national coach, Mr. Fernando Santos, and to the Portuguese team for what happened," Makkelie apologised speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola.
"As a referee team, we always work hard to make good decisions. When we are in the news in this manner, it doesn't make us happy at all."
Failure to qualify for the World Cup could potentially spend the end of Ronaldo's international career as he would be 40 by the time the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada rolls around.
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