Ireland defeated Portugal 2–0 in the 2025 World Cup Qualifiers in Dublin, with Troy Parrott scoring both goals and Cristiano Ronaldo sent off on a dramatic night at the Aviva Stadium.
Full-time Score:
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Portugal
Sky Man Of The Match: Troy Parrott
Goalscorers:
Republic of Ireland: Parrott (17′) (45′)
Portugal: N/A
Match Review:
Roberto Martinez brought his star-studded side to Landsdowne road this Thursday night. Portugal only beat Ireland 1-0 in Lisbon in the sides last meeting. and tonight’s return fixture was vital for both sides in qualifying for USA 26′. Evan Ferguson was out for this fixture continuing his injury rehabilitation in Roma before Hungary away. Former Shamrock Rovers man and current Celtic front-man Johnny Kenny replaced him in the squad despite not featuring tonight. Bruno Fernandes was suspended for Portugal tonight. This was Heimar Halgrimmson’s 15th match in charge of the boys in green. Tonight was nothing short of an entertaining fixture which at the end gave Ireland massive hope.
The First Half:
The Aviva was packed out with supporters from both sides tonight as atmosphere built after the National anthems. Portugal played fast-tempo play from the early minutes of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo chanced a kick from his back heel on the first minute which did not bother Kelleher’s posts. Cancelo and Neves tested Ireland’s defense. in this half also. On the 6th minute, A Josh-Cullen handball gave Ronaldo another opportunity through a free kick on Caoimhin Kelleher but Dara O’Shea made contact with the ball in the box. Ireland played good play to work the ball into Portugal’s box within the first 10 minutes with Azaz and Ogbene involved. On the 17th minute, the stadium erupted as a corner delivered a great ball for Troy Parrot to header the ball home in front of the Irish fans. Liam Scales assisted Parrot. After 17 odd minutes of Ireland defending against Portugal, a lovely set-piece gave Parrott (Currently playing in the Netherlands),a memorable goal. Azaz took another shot at Diego Costa’s goal which was followed by dominant football from Portugal. Ireland would play counter attack tactics for the rest of the half. Felix had a shot on goal for Portugal before Ogbene would hit the post by the bottom corner for Ireland on the 37th minute. The ball was unlucky to have not gone in between the sticks. Shortly after, Portugal then played scrappy and frantically in the box to get a goal as Kelleher managed the challenges. Not long before the half time whistle. Parrott made himself a double by scoring as the striker finished nicely into the near post after Azaz’s run. Ireland went into the dressing rooms at half time two goals up against the team ranked 5th in FIFA World rankings. Ireland showed a proper defensive attitude against a Portugal side that dominated possesion throughout the half which allowed Ireland to use counter-attack to be very comfortable at the break.
The Second Half:
The Second half began with Portugal on the attack. The likes of Nathan Collins and Liam Scales played well in Ireland’s defense as the fans were very vocal from the start of the half. Ronaldo’s reaction with a tussle with Dara O’Shea led to a VAR check that led to Ronaldo getting a red card. Fans heckled the 40 year old legend who lost composure through his reaction as he left the field. The red card was Ronaldo’s first at International level Chants rang out around the Aviva as 10 men Portugal carried on. Ogbene created another decent chance on the 64′ minute. On the 67th minute, Ireland introduced fresh legs as Swansea’s Adam Idah replaced Tonight’s hero Troy Parrot and Josh Cullen made way for Charlton’s Conor Coventry to make his senior debut in the midfield after a successful spell at U21 International level. Finn Azaz continued to make his presence known in creating chances in the last half hour of the game. Seamus Coleman also brought his experience to the defense through out the game. Josh Cullen also had a great performance tonight. Ireland remained discipline coming into the end of the match. On the 87th minute, a effort from Ramos challenged Kelleher. There was 7 minutes of extra time after the 90′ where Portugal tried to get a consolation goal. Caoimhin Kelleher had a great game in goals for Ireland tonight against one of Europe’s top sides, showing his consistent work-rate. It has been a long time since Ireland secured a huge result like they did tonight
A massive confidence boost tonight for Heimar,the Icelandic Dentist and his Irish squad on a memorable night in Dublin. Tonight’s result is a credit to them. Overall it was a frustrating night for Martinez’s Portugal and especially for Ronaldo, The Current Nations League Winners had not lost away from home in seven qualifying matches but the boys in green changed that tonight. Ireland travel to Budapest Sunday to face a Hungarian side that are only a point ahead of Ireland and two below Portugal. Kick-off is 2pm Sunday. Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup next summer in the USA is like a flame of a candle that is still burning as strong as ever. The dream is alive Overall, an unbelievable result for Ireland tonight in their penultimate qualifying match.
The U17 International team play Canada in the round of 32 in the U17 World Cup Qatar as the U21’s play England in qualifying action.
Line-ups:
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher 1, Coleman 2, Scales 3(Dunne 12(86′)), O’Shea 4, O’Brien 5, Cullen 6, Parrott 7(Idah 10 (67′)), Taylor 8(Coventry 17 (67′), Azaz 11 (Ebosele 27(78′)), Ogbene 20(Johnston 19 (86′)), Collins 22.
Portugal: Costa 1, Dalot 5, Dias 3, Inàcio (Vega 13 (45′))14, Cancelo 20 (Semedo 2 (45′)), Neves 15(Ramos 9 (78′), Vitinha 23, Neves 21, Silva 10(Trincao 14(63′), Felix 11( Leao 16 (63′)).