Here is Gavin Cummiskey’s match preview:
“Time is against the Republic of Ireland. Thirty-two days is not enough space to recover from the humiliating defeat to Armenia and the unravelling of Heimir Hallgrímsson’s promise to produce a side capable of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
“Portugal in Lisbon, in the first home game since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, comes too soon for an Ireland group that had their confidence shattered by losing to a country ranked 105th in the world.”
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Ireland’s game away to Portugal in Group F of Uefa qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in North America. It’s been a dispiriting start for Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men after defeat to Armenia in their previous game. Realistically tonight is a shot to nothing against one of the best teams in world football, with a midfield and bench midfield with many times the quality of Ireland’s. A surprise result would make up a long way for the disappointing start, but it may have to be a smash and grab. At least Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson have overcome recent injury concerns. Here is the Ireland squad.
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).
Defenders: Séamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (HullCity), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Will Ferry (Dundee United).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Millwall), Jack Taylor (IpswichTown), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton).
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (Istanbul Başakşehir), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town).