Republic of Ireland vs Portugal live blog
Pre match notes:
- The game is between the Republic of Ireland and Portugal, and is hosted at the Aviva stadium in Dublin, with a capacity of about 50,000, this could make for an exciting matchup in the World Cup Qualifiers in the battle of Group A.
- Portugal see themselves in second position with 16 points, but if they win tonight it will put them two points clear of Serbia and provide even more insurance that they are heading through to the World Cup, which has never really been in doubt.
- The Republic of Ireland are currently not in a great position, with five points from their opening six games so if they don’t win tonight, they remain in fourth place and a total of 12 points behind Luxembourg in second in the group. They need a win tonight if they want any chance of making it to the World Cup.
- Portugal are on some form too, winning four out of their last five games in the World Cup Qualifiers. The Republic of Ireland however, have only won two out of their last five games in the competition.
- Their last meeting provided for a fascinating watch, with two late Ronaldo goals sealing a 2-1 win from Portugal in a much closer game than anticipated. Will we see the same tonight?
SCOREBOARD: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 0-0 PORTUGAL
KICK OFF: 19:75
3’ – Duffy puts in a harsh tackle in the opening minutes, which leads to Guedes limping, but he stays on the pitch and Duffy doesn’t seem himself in the book.
5’ – a great threaded pass from Doherty that seeks out Hendrick, is eventually shut down by Portugal captain Pepe, in a good move by Ireland that leads to a corner that is played too deep to cause the Portuguese defence any trouble.
7’ – Ronaldo drives at the defence with great pace, until he is shut down well by Ireland skipper Sheamus Coleman, who puts in a great sliding challenge and concedes a corner, which is a poor attempt of a cross from Guedes.
First 10 minutes – a fairly even game sees Portugal have 75% possession, but struggle to create much more chances than Ireland, who attempt numerous times to hit Portugal on the counter and let them have possession a lot of the time.
13’ – a great ball from inside his own half from Joao Palhinha sets up Andre Silva through on goal, but he is dragged out wide by Duffy, but manages to get a near post effort off, which is comfortably saved by Ireland keeper Banzunu.
26’ – after Ronaldo loses possession and clearly feels he is fouled, the referee waves play on and Robinson counters, driving at Nelson Semedo until he cuts inside and strikes from distance, but it is palmed away by Portugal keeper Rui Patricio, and met by a roar from the thousands of home fans at the Aviva Stadium.
29’ YELLOW CARD – Chiedoze Ogbene
Yellow card doled out to Chiedozie Ogbene after a tussle with Danilo. The Irish striker had possession with the defender looming over him, the ref was of the view that Ogbene was a bit free-swinging with the elbows, Danilo hit the floor in clear discomfort, and the free was awarded to the visitors.
32’ – Ireland win a corner that is quickly taken and attacked by Egan, but his header flies over the bar as he can’t get a solid connection or angle on the ball. He pleads for another corner but it will not be granted by the referee.
43’ – a flick on header from a set piece allows Hendrick a chance from a few yards out on the Portuguese goal, but is stopped by a great last ditch hook tackle from Semedo to keep it at 0-0 before half time.
HALF TIME – a decent half with lots of chances from either side ends goalless, with Portugal just ahead on chances and possession. But if they want to see this game off, they must take their chances and make the right decisions in the final third as they haven’t done enough to test Bazunu enough.
46’ – Bright opening for Ireland as Ogbene drives hard and straight at the Portuguese penalty area. Palhinha grabs a fistful of jerseys and the freekick is awarded.
51’ – a quick break from Ireland sees a fast ball sent over the top for Ogbene to get on the end of. He is brought down by Danilo, but the referee refuses to award the free kick and Portugal stop another Ireland attack.
55’ YELLOW CARD – Seamus Coleman
Coleman is booed by Portuguese fans for clipping Andre Silva’s heels in a cyacle foul to stop Portugal on the counter, successfully.
57’ SUBSTITUTION João Moutinho <-> Mateus Luiz
61’ SUBSTITUTION Jamie Mcgrath <-> Adam Idah
67’ – a great cross by Matheus Nunes is met by Cristiano “airlines”, Ronaldo, who flicks it on but just misses the left post by inches. Another great chance for Portugal is squandered. He got in between the two Ireland centre backs with ease and failed to test the keeper.
70’ YELLOW CARD – Danilo
Ogbene drives at Danilo and beats him for pace by knocking the ball past him. However, Danilo is aware that he is beaten and takes the Irish bagsman down in the final third and is booked for the foul.
72’ YELLOW CARD – Pepe
Yellow card for Pepe as his raised hand half-blocks a clipped pass forward from Egan. After Ireland lost possession, the ref paused the game and awarded the freekick.
75’ SUBSTITUTION Andre Silva <-> Joao Felix // Bruno Fernandes <-> Renato Sanches
78’ SUBSTITUTION Enda Stephens <-> James Mcclean // Jeff Hendrick <-> Callum Houriane
81’ RED CARD – PEPE
Portugal are down to 10 men and Pepe is furious. He was previously booked for the handball but this time he mis-controls a ball and collects it near the sideline, with Robinson rushing to collect the ball, he sticks his elbow out at the Irishman and sees himself off the pitch and into the tunnel. He will now miss the crucial game against Serbia for Portugal.
83’ SUBSTITUTION Rafael Leao <-> Jose Fonte
90+1’ – SUBSTITUTION Chiedozie Ogbene <-> Will Keane
90+3’ – Ireland player Stephen Kenny puts in the ball and that with great celebration, but these are short lived and the whistle is blown as Will Keane was deemed to obstruct Portuguese keeper Rui Patricio, who failed to catch the ball because he was brought down by Keane.
FULL TIME – REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 0-0 PORTUGAL
This tweet pictures when a fan ran onto the pitch towards Ronaldo. He hugs the young fan and gives him his shirt. A real heartwarming gesture from Ronaldo that has lifted the mood after a goalless display.
Portugal and Serbia are now equal with 17 points in the group.
