Ireland vs Portugal in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: 10-men Portugal held by Ireland in a goalless draw, will play Serbia for top position next: It was a cagey affair right from the start of the match as both sides did not show much intensity or purpose to create chances. Later Ireland gave everything at the game to win all three points but Portugal with a man down held their own pretty nicely.
There were a few chances for both sides but none of the forwards were clinical enough to break the deadlock. Ronaldo combined with Andre Silva and almost scored the decisive goal but it was an inch away from the target. Meanwhile, Chiedozie Ogbene had a similar chance where he failed to make the right connection.
🇵🇹 Portugal moved above Serbia to the top of Group A despite being held to a goalless draw away to the Republic of Ireland.#WCQ pic.twitter.com/KW41H9EWdo
— European Qualifiers (@EURO2024) November 11, 2021
Overall both sides were poor and canceled each other out on the pitch until Pepe got sent off for a needless foul on Robinson. He was sent off with ten minutes left in the game and unfortunately will miss the do-or-die clash against Serbia.
Ireland vs Portugal in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: 10-men Portugal held by Ireland in a goalless draw, will play Serbia for top position next
Portugal held on for a 0-0 draw at Ireland to take over first place in its World Cup qualifying group on Thursday.
Ireland vs Portugal LIVE in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Portugal, Ireland share the spoils of a drab draw:
The draw leaves Portugal ahead of Serbia on goal difference ahead of their decisive match on Sunday in Portugal.
Both teams are tied on 17 points but Portugal has scored three more goals than the Serbians.
Only the group winners automatically qualify for next year’s tournament in Qatar, while the second-place finishers will have to go through a playoff with the other runners-up and two group winners from the UEFA Nations League.
Portugal played a man down from the 82nd after veteran defender Pepe was shown a second yellow card that will keep him from playing against Serbia.
At age 38, Pepe became the oldest player to start for Portugal, surpassing former goalkeeper Vítor Damas by 13 days. It was his 123rd appearance, the fourth-most for the Portuguese national team.
Ireland vs Portugal in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: 10-men Portugal held by Ireland in a goalless draw, will play Serbia for top position next
Cristiano Ronaldo had a few good chances for the visitors but couldn’t capitalize on them.
“We didn’t have many chances but could’ve scored with the ones we created,” Portugal midfielder João Moutinho said. “We didn’t get the victory but we reached our goal of being in first place, which is what we wanted.”
Serbia did not play a qualifier on Thursday. It defeated World Cup host Qatar 4-0 in a friendly in Belgrade.
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