Republic of Ireland frustrate 10-man Portugal in Dublin

Republic of Ireland put in a spirited display to secure a 0-0 draw with 10-man Portugal, whose hopes of automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup now rest on a winner-takes-all clash with Serbia on Sunday.

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, dominated the early exchanges with Gavin Bazunu having to save from Andre Silva and Seamus Coleman blocking the Manchester United forward’s goal-bound shot, but the hosts held firm as the first half reached its mid-point.

Ronaldo wasted the best opportunity of the game midway through the second half, heading Andre Silva’s cross wide before Portugal’s challenge faded with the sending off of Pepe for two second-half bookings.

Stephen Kenny’s side tried to make use of their numerical advantage, but they were forced to settle for a point, which gives them the opportunity to finish third if they can beat Luxembourg in their final game of the campaign on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Meanwhile, the draw sees Portugal go top of group A on goal difference ahead of Serbia, who they host in Lisbon on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, for the chance to seal their place at the World Cup in Qatar.

More to follow…

‘Signs of progress from Republic of Ireland’

Former Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne on Sky Sports:

“I would say so, yes [it’s the best result of Stephen Kenny’s tenure so far].

“To get a result against Portugal, who we would class as one of the top 10 international sides, it is a big result for Kenny.

“It shows there has been a level of progress and an Irish side coming into this campaign you would have looked at the Portugal game and thought we need to get a point to try and qualify.

“Obviously the early results put the team in a poor situation in terms of qualification but there are signs of progress and against Portugal, it’s a good point and it gives them the opportunity to finish the group in third.”

Opta stats: Portugal left frustrated in Dublin…

Republic of Ireland have failed to score in 53 per cent of their 19 games in all competitions under Stephen Kenny (10/19), the highest ratio of any manager to take charge of more than two games for the national team.

This was Portugal’s first goalless draw in 36 World Cup qualifying matches (including play-offs), since drawing 0-0 with Sweden in March 2009.

This was just Republic of Ireland’s second competitive clean sheet against Portugal, and first since a 1-0 victory in a EURO 1996 qualifier in April 1995.

Pepe’s sending off was Portugal’s first competitive red card in almost three years, since Danilo Pereira was dismissed against Poland in November 2018 in the UEFA Nations League.

Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in seven of Portugal’s 12 attempts tonight (5 shots, 2 chances created), though his only attempt on target came in the sixth minutes of second-half injury time.

What’s next?

Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign ends with a trip to Luxembourg on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Football; kick-off 7.45pm.

Meanwhile, Portugal’s chances of automatic qualification go to the wire as they face Serbia in a winner-takes-all clash with Serbia in Lisbon, live on Sky Sports via the red button; kick-off 7.45pm.