Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during Portugal vs Ireland clashplaceholder image
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during Portugal vs Ireland clash | Getty Images
Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien were ‘rock solid’ in the Republic of Ireland’s stunning win over Portugal
Everton duo Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien played their part in a stunning result for the Republic of Ireland to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive in a Thursday night thriller against Portugal.
The clash at the Aviva Stadium had plenty of action as the home side sunk in their claws to set up a blockbuster qualification decider this weekend. Thanks to a Troy Parrott brace, confirmation of the order of Group F will fall to the final fixtures, with Ireland sitting third on seven points.
Just ahead of them are Hungary on eight, who they will face on Sunday. Leading the pack with ten points are Portugal, who need a win against Armenia to be mathematically sure of avoiding late heartbreak.
Everton stars shine in dramatic Ireland vs Portugal clash
The showdown in Dublin had plenty to unpack, with Cristiano Ronaldo making headlines after being sent off for the first time in his international career.
The Portugal captain was given his marching orders after elbowing Dara O’Shea, with his side already trailing 2-0 thanks to two first half goals from Parrott.
Ronaldo initially thought he had escaped a sending off after being shown a yellow for the contact. The forward then made a crying gesture in view of the Irish fans, before his booking was upgraded to a red by a VAR call, with the home support seeing him off the pitch copying his gesture from just moments prior.
Coleman and O’Brien both played the full 90 minutes against Portugal and ensured Ireland kept strong at the back. The crucial win will see their World Cup fate decided on Sunday when they take on Hungary at the Puskas Arena.
National media praises Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien in Ireland victory
All of Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team played their part against Portugal but the Everton duo have been lauded by the media for their solid efforts in defence.Balls.ie awarded the pair an 8/10 rating each.
“Coleman was rock solid at the back in the first half, offering very little to Portugal down that right-hand side. He was a calming presence for Ireland throughout, especially when things got heated during the second half,” the outlet analysed.
“O'Brien made some big clearances to ease pressure on the defence in the opening 45 minutes. The Everton man was sensational in the air through, winning a number of vital defensive headers.”
RTÉ Sport also handed out 8/10 ratings, describing O’Brien as looking ‘right at home’ during the dramatic clash.
“Impossible to overstate the importance of Coleman's experience on a night when any lapses in concentration could have killed the World Cup dream,” the ratings continued.
“Ireland’s centre-backs sniffed out danger and halted their [Portugal’s] ambitions,” the latter outlet summarised. Coleman’s ‘joy’ watching his side score their goals was also noted as a huge occasion for the veteran to celebrate.
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