November 12, (THEWILL) – After holding on for a 0-0 draw against Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, Portugal moved closer to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s header, which sailed narrowly wide in the second half, was the visitors’ best chance to win the game in a game devoid of clear-cut goalscoring possibilities.
As a result, Group A leaders Portugal will host Serbia in a winner-takes-all match on Sunday, with both teams tied on 17 points atop the table. However, Pepe will miss the match after receiving two yellow cards in the 82nd minute. Ireland is in fourth place with six points under Stephen Kenny’s leadership.
Ireland held their own against their loftier opponents in the first half, which was gritty and physical as Rui Patricio saved Callum Robinson’s cross-corner effort in the 27th minute.
Ireland came close to scoring again right before the break, despite Portugal’s possession domination and Ronaldo’s pouting. Chiedozie Ogbene found Robinson’s cross at the near post, but he could not direct his header on target.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had the first big chance of the tense second half. Ronaldo was picked out in the penalty box by Andre Silva, but his header into the ground deflected millimetres over Gavin Bazunu’s right post.
In the 77th minute, Ireland had another chance to break the deadlock when Ogbene sent a ball into Enda Stevens’ path, but the Sheffield United defender blasted his attempt over the bar.
Pepe’s swinging arm caught Callum Robinson in the face with barely eight minutes of normal time remaining, earning him a second yellow card. It puts manager Fernando Santos in a pickle ahead of Sunday’s crucial match against Serbia in Lisbon.
In the waning seconds of the game, as Ireland sought for a late winner, Ronaldo almost stole the show on the counter-attack, but Bazunu parried his powerful drive from a tight angle.
Ronaldo may have missed two of the clearest chances of the game as he failed to make it 116 goals for Portugal, but it was a result that the uninspired visitors will be satisfied with as they head into the game against Serbia at the Estadio da Luz knowing that success will secure their spot in Qatar.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
