IRELAND PLAY Portugal tonight in a sold out Aviva Stadium, where Ronaldo will try to emulate his exploits a few weeks back.
Here’s all you need to know about Thursday's showdown.
Sky Sports slogan for the Ireland v Portugal match is, ‘Can the Republic of Ireland restore pride?’
Feck off with that nonsense
We’ve lost once in 8 matches
We’ve scored 15 goals in those 8 matches
We are very proud of our team
🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/J1K8akSkrS— IP🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) November 6, 2021
Kick-off time and Location?
The game will kick off in the Aviva Stadium at 7.45pm
TV Channel
RTE2 will show the game (coverage starts at 7pm), Sky Sports will also show it.
Independent.ie will also be covering the match in our live blog.
Can you still get tickets?
No, this game is a 51,000 sell-out and is a huge affair for some reason.
Match odds?
Paddy Power’s odds have Ireland at 9/1 to win, Portugal are the firm favourites at 3/10, with a draw priced at 15/4.
Goalscoring hero Callum Robinson is 14/1 to outscore Cristiano Ronaldo, who's he, in the game.
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)Record against Portugal?
Ireland's record is: won 4, drew 2, lost 8 in 14 times matches, this dates back to 1946.
Realistically, can we win ?
Ireland played very well against Portugal in Faro a month or two back. Ronaldo missed a penalty after a save from Gavin Bazunu, John Egan put us ahead, but in typical fashion Ronaldo broke our hearts with two late custom headers. If we play freely maybe, but Portugal aren't Qatar and will be a sterner test.
Stephen Kenny might have a few aces up his sleeve, you never know.
Portugal's team
Portugal have a joke of a team in terms of quality with Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Jota, and the likes of Joao Felix, but Ireland have faced tougher opposition before, you never know, here's hoping
Is this game important ?
The Boys in Green are seeking to extend their good run of form after two wins against Qatar and Azerbaijan, we can't qualify for the World Cup though, so no in the grand scheme of things.
Portugal, on the other hand, badly needed a victory at the Aviva to jump over Serbia and back into first place in Group A. Victory for the visitors will give them a two-point lead at the top of the table.
Ireland camp?
Jayson Molumby has been ruled out. Andrew Omobamidele is doubtful for tomorrow's match as everyone else trained at the Aviva Stadium last night. Portugal's Bernardo Silva won't feature
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)Officials?
The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano, his two assistants are Iñigo and Ángel Nevado. The fourth official is Ricardo de Burgos. The Video Assistant Referee is Alejandro Hernández, and he will be assisted by Guillermo Cuadra Fernández.
Irish team?
Goalkeeper: Gavin Bazunu
Defenders: John Egan, Shane Duffy, Andrew Omobamidele
Midfielders: Matt Doherty, James McClean, Josh Cullen, Jeff Hendrick, Jamie McGrath
Forwards: Adam Idah, Callum Robinson
LAST MEETING
September 1, 2021, Faro - World Cup Qualifier: Portugal 2 Ireland 1
Portugal: Patrício, Cancelo (Guedes 82), Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro (Mendes 62); Palhinha (Moutinho 73), Fernandes (Mário 62); Silva, R Silva (A Silva) Ronaldo, Jotta. Goals: Ronaldo 89, 96
Ireland: Bazunu, D O'Shea (Ayobamidele 35), Duffy, Egan; Coleman, Hendrick, Cullen, Doherty; McGrath (Molumby Connolly (McClean 72); Idah (Collins 90). Goal: Egan.
YELLOW PERIL: Josh Cullen, Matt Doherty, John Egan, Jeff Hendrick, Enda Stevens and Adam Idah are all walking a tightrope for the hosts with the Portuguese contingent including Ruben Dias, Cancelo, Diogo Jota and Renato Sanches.
The day has finally arrived 😍
⚽️ Republic of Ireland v Portugal
🏆 FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifier
📍 @AVIVAStadium
⌚️ KO 7.45pm
🎟️ SOLD-OUT ❌
📺 @RTEsoccer & @SkyFootball
📝 https://t.co/MFrJuLBgzU
A full house under the lights, what a night#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #IRLPOR pic.twitter.com/4w4EJumM7z— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 11, 2021
See More: Football, Ireland, Portugal, Ronaldo, World Cup 2021
