World Cup Qualifier Preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Portugal

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Although eliminated from contention to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, optimism remains at its highest point during the tenure of Stephen Kenny.

Comprehensive results against Azerbaijan and Qatar in the last round of fixtures saw Kenny record a competitive win and back-to-back victories for the first time.

Portugal, the eighth ranked side in the world, will pose a much sterner challenge however, as Kenny acknowledges.

“Portugal are a world class team,” Kenny said. “They’re the previous European champions and Nations League holders. But we're at home. We have a lot of good players. We can see the team evolving in front of your eyes every game we play. We can see the improvement and we’re excited for the game.”

The fixture will be the first to take place at an Aviva Stadium without restrictions since a 1-1 draw with Denmark in November 2019, a week shy of two years, and Kenny is confident that the return of a full house can be a catalyst for a high level of performance.

“It's a bit soulless when it's empty like that. 52,000 for this game is amazing. It’s the first game since the restrictions were lifted. We’re very enthused by that and the players are motivated by that,” Kenny said.

“They deserve to feel the affection of the support because they’ve shown their talent in the last couple of windows. I feel that connection between the team and the support. We want that to continue to grow.”

“We’ve trained very well, and the players have applied themselves brilliantly. Their attitude has been absolutely excellent. We know that Portugal have quality in every position, so we’re going to have to really play above ourselves to get the level of performance we require. We have play to our absolute full potential. We must strive to do that. 

PORTUGAL

Portugal come into the match up under significantly more pressure than Ireland as they must avoid defeat to carry an advantage into their pivotal final qualifier against Serbia on Sunday.

Fernando Santos’ side have six players, including Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias, on bookings and at risk of suspension for their meeting with Serbia.

This may prompt a cautious team selection from Santos, but the Portuguese manager is taking nothing for granted against an Irish side that was minutes from handing Portugal a home defeat in Faro in September.

"I have confidence in all the players. More than getting a yellow card or not, you also have to think about how to be on the pitch. The most important game is against Ireland."

"They'll give everything but when you know that a yellow card prevents you from being in the next game, that can affect you in some way. I'll analyse it carefully and put out a strong team."

The former European champions have enjoyed a successful qualifying campaign, dropping only two points in their first six games, but still have a difficult task in front of them to qualify in first place and avoid the uncertainty of the playoffs.

Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)

MATCH STATS

The Republic of Ireland’s last victory against Portugal came in a friendly in February 2005, where Andy O’Brien scored the only goal in 1-0 win for Brian Kerr’s side.

A 20-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo won his 19^th international cap in that fixture, and the Portugal captain could play for his country for the 183^rd time on Thursday, almost 17 years later.

Ireland are seeking to win three consecutive games for the first time since they recorded wins against Georgia, Moldova and Austria in World Cup Qualification between October and November 2016.

PREDICTION

Republic of Ireland 1-3 Portugal

Republic of Ireland

Injured: Jayson Molumby, Andrew Omobamidele

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Portugal

Injured: Bernardo Silva, Anthony Lopes, Joao Mario, Rafa Silva

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None