Portugal 2 - 1 Republic of Ireland | 2022 - FIFA World Cup | 2030839

European Qualifiers Qualifying Round - Group A | Estádio Algarve, Faro-Loulé
01 September 2021 - 19:45

Portugal 2 - 1 Republic of Ireland

Ronaldo(89) Ronaldo(90+6) full-time Egan(45)
Portugal Republic of Ireland

REPORT | Portugal 2-1 Ireland - Ronaldo show breaks hearts

The Republic of Ireland were denied a deserved point or more in Portugal due to two late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo in what was an excellent performance from the away side and a very bitter pill to swallow.
2nd Sep 2021

Ireland went ahead thanks to a John Egan right on halftime but it was undone by a brace of goals by Ronaldo added on time. Stephen Kenny handed Jamie McGrath his first start for Ireland and Aaron Connolly returned to the side.

Despite early chances for the home side after Portugal won a series of corners, all were dealt with, as captain Seamus Coleman led a solid defensive line. Portugal was awarded a penalty after Jeff Hendrick was deemed to have brought Bruno Fernandes down in the area.

After a lengthy delay due to a VAR check, Gavin Bazunu did excellently to deny Cristiano Ronaldo with a brilliant low save to his right. Ireland went close from a Jamie McGrath corner which found its way to Aaron Connolly at the back post but his curling effort went wide.

After a clever counter-attack, Connolly’s initial shot found its way to Seamus Coleman but Rui Patrício was alert to the danger. Diogo Jota went close for the hosts but the post denied him as Bazunu looked to have it covered. Ireland continued to press and Adam Idah was central to each attack and he laid the ball off to Connolly on the edge of the area but it curled over.

Ireland had another great chance as Connolly broke free of the defence on the left but his shot was blocked at the near post by Rui Patrício after the stopper came out to close down the angles.

Ireland took the lead from the resulting corner as Jamie McGrath delivered a pinpoint cross from the corner which was met John Egan at the near post which was guided past Patrício into the back of the net.

Another fine save by Bazunu denied Diogo Jota right on half time as his volley was collected on the second attempt. The second half saw both sides test their respective defensives but the best of the opportunities fell to Ireland as Jamie McGrath played an excellent through ball to Aaron Connolly but he couldn’t make the opportunity count.

Bruno Fernandes went close for the hosts but his curling effort just went past Bazunu’s far post. Connolly went close again following a John Egan knockdown but his volley went wide. Shane Duffy denied Portugal a certain equaliser as a cross from the right was blocked on the line by the defender and from the follow-up attempt, Bazunu calmly saved.

Bernardo Silva had a fantastic opportunity after taking the ball into the area but his shot was well blocked by Adam Idah for a corner. Bernardo Silva got in behind the Irish defence following a Ronaldo cross but his effort went over the bar. Portugal continued to press but Ireland's defence held firm with Adam Idah spearheading Ireland's pacy counter-attack.

Joao Mario had a great opportunity to restore parity only for an excellent block by Josh Cullen, from a resulting free-kick Bazunu once again denied Ronaldo from a free-kick as he pushed it clear.

Ronaldo did equalise for Portugal, however, as a cross from the right was met by the Portugal talisman on the eighteen-yard line to head it past Bazunu.

He would get his second goal in the 95th minute in Portugal's last attack with Ronaldo scoring his second to seal the win for the home side and deny Ireland a well-deserved point, which could have been all three.

Portugal: Rui Patrício, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Raphaël Guerreiro (Nuno Mendes 61), João Palhinha (João Moutinho 72), Cristiano Ronaldo ©, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes (Joao Mario 61), Rafa Silva (André Silva 46), João Cancelo (Gonçalo Guedes 82), Diogo Jota.
Subs not used: Anthony Lopes, Diogo Costa, Nélson Semedo, Danilo, Domingos Duarte, Otávio, Rúben Neves.

Republic of Ireland: Gavin Bazunu, Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, John Egan, Josh Cullen, Matt Doherty, Adam Idah (James Collins 90), Jeff Hendrick, Jamie McGrath (Jayson Molumby 90), Dara O’Shea (Andrew Omobamidele 35), Aaron Connolly (James McClean 71).
Subs not used: Caoimhin Kelleher, James Talbot, Ryan Manning, Conor Hourihane, Troy Parrott, Harry Arter, Daryl Horgan.

Booked: Jeff Hendrick, Dara O’Shea, Aaron Connolly, Matt Doherty, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sent off: None
Man of the Match: John Egan
Attendance: 7,831

Referee: Matej Jug (SVN)

PREVIEW | Portugal v Ireland - FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifier

Republic of Ireland take on Portugal at the Estadio Algarve in a FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier.
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31st Aug 2021

Ireland will be looking to build on the win over Andorra and the draw in Hungary during the summer camp and bring that form into tomorrow's fixture against Portugal, which begins at 7.45pm.

Stephen Kenny's Ireland are currently second bottom of Group A after the defeats against Serbia and Luxembourg in March and will be looking for their first points of the group in this three-match window.

Match Details

Fixture: Portugal v Republic of Ireland
KO Time: 7.45pm
Stadium: Estadio Algarve, Faro
Competition: FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifiers - European Qualifiers
TV: RTE & Sky Sports

Match Officials

Referee: Matej Jug (SVN)
Assistant 1: Matej Zunic (SVN)
Assistant 2: Robert Vukan (SVN)
Fourth Official: Nejc Kajtazovic (SVN)
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jure Praprotnik (SVN)

Team News

Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot replaced Mark Travers in the squad and trained at the Estadio Algarve this evening. All other players in the squad are fit and available for selection.

What he said - Ireland manager Stephen Kenny

“You can’t go to Portugal and defend for 90 minutes and I think we have to go and be positive in our approach.

“Definitely it’s a challenge, there’s no doubt but we’re really looking forward to the week. It’s a great game for the players to play in.

"It’s a real tough challenge, Portugal have some really outstanding players, there’s no doubt about that, but a lot of our players are looking forward to showing what they’ve got.”

What he said - Ireland captain Seamus Coleman

“It’s not a case of ruining any parties or anything like that, because we have to focus on ourselves.

“Everyone in the world knows how important and how amazing Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the last 15 years. It’s incredible really.

“As a group we have to focus on what our plan is tomorrow and how we can stop them from playing. But they have a few players that we have to keep an eye on."

Watch the press conference with Stephen Kenny and Seamus Coleman here...

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), James Talbot (Bohemians)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley)

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Attackers: Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Shane Long (Southampton), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)

Tactical Lineups

Portugal

1 Rui Patrício (G) 3 Pepe 4 Rúben Dias 5 Guerreiro 6 João Palhinha 7 Ronaldo (C) 10 Bernardo Silva 11 Bruno Fernandes 15 Rafa Silva 20 João Cancelo 21 Diogo Jota

Substitutes

  • 12 Anthony Lopes (G)
  • 22 Diogo Costa (G)
  • 2 Nélson Semedo
  • 8 João Moutinho
  • 9 André Silva
  • 13 Danilo
  • 14 Domingos Duarte
  • 16 Otávio
  • 17 Gonçalo Guedes
  • 18 Rúben Neves
  • 19 Nuno Mendes
  • 23 João Mário

Coach

Fernando Santos

Republic of Ireland

1 Bazunu (G) 2 Coleman (C) 4 Duffy 5 Egan 6 Cullen 7 Doherty 9 Idah 13 Hendrick 18 McGrath 20 O'Shea 21 Connolly

Coach

Stephen Kenny

Officials

  • Referee Matej Jug
  • Assistant Referees Matej Žunič
  • UEFA Delegate Lars Richt
  • Assistant Referee Two Robert Vukan
  • Fourth Official Nejc Kajtazovic
  • Video Assistant Referee Paolo Valeri
  • Referee Observer Laurent Duhamel
  • Assistant Video Assistant Referee Jure Praprotnik

Minute by Minute Commentary

  • 1" The match is under way.
  • 2" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 3" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 4" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on Matt Doherty (Republic of Ireland).
  • 5" Matt Doherty (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 10" Jeff Hendrick (Republic of Ireland) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 10" Jeff Hendrick (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 15" Gavin Bazunu (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 15" Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) hits the post from the penalty spot.
  • 17" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland).
  • 17" Shane Duffy (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 19" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on Matt Doherty (Republic of Ireland).
  • 20" John Egan (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 22" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on John Egan (Republic of Ireland).
  • 23" Gavin Bazunu (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 25" Jamie McGrath (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
  • 25" Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 26" Josh Cullen (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 26" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 27" Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 27" Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 27" @@player1 (@@team1) blocks a shot.
  • 28" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 30" @@player1 (@@team1) is flagged for offside.
  • 31" Dara O'Shea (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 33" Dara O'Shea (Republic of Ireland) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 35" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 35" Andrew Omobamidele (in) - Dara O'Shea (out) (@@teamID)
  • 39" Jamie McGrath (Republic of Ireland) is flagged for offside.
  • 39" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 40" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 40" Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 41" Andrew Omobamidele (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 41" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 42" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 43" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland).
  • 44" Andrew Omobamidele (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 44" Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 44" @@player1 (@@team1) blocks a shot.
  • 45" Jamie McGrath (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
  • 45" Jamie McGrath (Republic of Ireland) assists.
  • 45" John Egan (Republic of Ireland) scores!
  • 45+2" Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 45+2" Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 45+3" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 45+3" @@player1 (@@team1) has an effort on goal.
  • 45+3" Gavin Bazunu (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 45+4" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • The referee blows for half-time.
  • 67" Gavin Bazunu (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 90" James McClean (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 46" The second half begins.
  • 46" André Silva (in) - Rafa Silva (out) (@@teamID)
  • 48" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 48" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 48" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 48" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 48" Shane Duffy (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 48" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 48" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 48" Jamie McGrath (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 48" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 50" Shane Duffy (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 50" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 51" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 52" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 52" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 55" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 56" Matt Doherty (Republic of Ireland) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 59" Josh Cullen (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 59" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 59" Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 61" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 61" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 62" João Mário (in) - Bruno Fernandes (out) (@@teamID)
  • 62" Nuno Mendes (in) - Raphaël Guerreiro (out) (@@teamID)
  • 63" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 63" Josh Cullen (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 64" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 64" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 64" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 65" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 65" Jeff Hendrick (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 65" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 65" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on Matt Doherty (Republic of Ireland).
  • 66" John Egan (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 66" @@player1 (@@team1) has an effort on goal.
  • 66" Gavin Bazunu (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 68" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland).
  • 69" John Egan (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 71" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 71" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 71" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 72" James McClean (in) - Aaron Connolly (out) (@@teamID)
  • 72" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 72" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 73" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 73" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on John Egan (Republic of Ireland).
  • 73" João Moutinho (in) - João Palhinha (out) (@@teamID)
  • 74" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 74" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 79" @@player1 (@@team1) is flagged for offside.
  • 80" Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 80" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 82" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 82" Gonçalo Guedes (in) - João Cancelo (out) (@@teamID)
  • 83" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 84" @@player1 (@@team1) is penalised for a foul on Adam Idah (Republic of Ireland).
  • 84" Shane Duffy (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 84" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 86" Andrew Omobamidele (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 86" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 87" Andrew Omobamidele (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 87" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 87" Josh Cullen (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 87" @@player1 (@@team1) has a shot blocked.
  • 88" Josh Cullen (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 89" @@player1 (@@team1) has an effort on goal.
  • 89" Gavin Bazunu (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 89" @@player1 (@@team1) assists.
  • 89" Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) scores!
  • 90" James Collins (in) - Adam Idah (out) (@@teamID)
  • 90" Jayson Molumby (in) - Jamie McGrath (out) (@@teamID)
  • 90" James McClean (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 90" @@player1 (@@team1) blocks a shot.
  • 90+1" Jayson Molumby (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
  • 90+1" Andrew Omobamidele (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on @@player2 (@@team2).
  • 90+1" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the free-kick.
  • 90+2" @@player1 (@@team1) misses the target.
  • 90+3" @@player1 (@@team1) takes the corner.
  • 90+5" @@player1 (@@team1) has an effort on goal.
  • 90+5" Gavin Bazunu (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 90+6" @@player1 (@@team1) assists.
  • 90+6" Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) scores!
  • 90+7" Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) is cautioned by the referee.
  • The final whistle is blown.

Match Statistics

  • Portugal
  • Republic of Ireland

Corners Won

14 3

Shots on Target

6 5

Shots off Target

10 5

Fouls Committed

9 11
  • Portugal

    Republic of Ireland

  • 2Goals1
  • 1Yellow Card(s)4
  • 0Red Card(s)0
  • 6Shots on Goal5
  • 10Shots Wide5
  • 12Shot(s) Blocked0
  • 3Save(s)17
  • 28Total Shots10
  • 9Fouls Committed11
  • 14Corner(s)3
  • 2Offside(s)1