Portugal vs Ireland match review, 1:45 a.m. October 12: Waiting for Ronaldo to shine

VHO - Commentary on the match between Portugal and Ireland, 2026 World Cup qualifiers, welcoming guests who are not in good form, becomes an opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo and the home team's strikers to continue to shine.

Portugal vs Ireland form

The trip to Hungary exactly 1 month ago was considered the most difficult challenge for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, the team under the direction of coach Roberto Martinez did their job well.

Despite the opponent's efforts to catch up, Portugal still showed their mettle to take all 3 points. The goal in the 86th minute by Joao Cancelo was enough for Seleccao to complete a 3-2 victory, thereby firmly consolidating the top position in Group F.

Showing to be far superior to the remaining opponents in the group, the journey in the group stage is like a horse riding tour for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates. It will not be too surprising if the giant from the Iberian peninsula can own a perfect record after all 6 group stage matches.

Of course, the ultimate goal of coach Martinez and his team is much further than that. Together, they are aiming for the dream of conquering the World Cup gold cup, helping Portuguese football to be proud of the world for the first time.

Not to mention, the tournament in North and Central America next summer may also be the last time fans will see the living legend CR7 in action. Therefore, a good warm-up in the first round will give Seleccao more confidence and excitement before entering the big battle.

Hosting Ireland certainly doesn’t pose much of a challenge for Portugal. In both of their last two encounters with the UK, the home team emerged victorious. The most recent was in June last year when the team ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings defeated their opponents 3-0 in a friendly.

Ronaldo and his teammates will find it difficult to lose 3 points at home.

Since 2006, Ireland has not won a ticket to the biggest football festival on the planet. In the context of Portugal being too strong, the practical goal of coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and his team will be to finish in 2nd place, thereby winning a ticket to the play-offs.

To achieve that target, Ireland need good results against the remaining opponents in the group such as Armenia and especially Hungary. But instead of showing ambition, Ireland are bringing more disappointment.

After a draw at home against Hungary in the opening match, Ireland left home fans shaking their heads in disappointment when they came up empty-handed in their visit to Armenia, the team considered the weakest in the group.

With their current lackluster form, Ireland’s chances of creating a surprise at Jose Alvalade are probably very low. The dream of returning to the World Cup arena therefore looks increasingly distant.

Portugal vs Ireland squad information

Portugal: Joao Neves and Joao Cancelo are absent due to injury.

Ireland: Missing many important faces such as Matt Doherty, Jason Knight, Bosun Lawal, Callum O'Dowda, Sammie Szmodics due to injury.

Expected lineup Portugal vs Ireland

Portugal: Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Bernardo, Vitinha, Fernandes; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Neto

Ireland: Kelleher; O'Brien, O'Shea, Collins; Ogbene; Cullen, Knight, Manning; Taylor, Azaz; Ferguson

Prediction: 3-1

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-bo-dao-nha-vs-ireland-1h45-ngay-1210-cho-ronaldo-toa-sang-173907.html