The Republic of Ireland have drawn 0-0 against Portugal, and automatic qualification expectations for next year’s World Cup are now based on their fight against Serbia.

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, dominated the opening rally, with Gavin Basu having to save a shot from Manchester United striker Andre Silva and Seamus Coleman, but the hosts held on when the first half reached mid-point.

Ronaldo wasted the best chance of the game in the middle of the second half, leading to Andre Silva’s cross-off, Portugal’s challenge faded and Pepe gave a two-and-a-half second warning.

Stephen Kenny’s team tried to capitalize on their power play, but were forced to settle for one point, giving them a chance to finish third if they could beat Luxembourg in their final match. Sports SkyThe.

Meanwhile, on Sunday in Lisbon, they put Portugal ahead of Group A by a goal difference over hosts Serbia. Air Sports, For an opportunity to secure their place in the World Cup in Qatar.

How the Republic of Ireland disappointed Portugal …

Portugal – with yellow players Joao Cancello, Diego Jotta, Renato Sanchez, Ruben Diaz and Jose Fonte on the bench on Sunday – started on the front foot and Bansunu needs to be careful to change Andre Silva’s shot. Tight angle. Wide, meanwhile Seamus Coleman threw himself in the path of Ronaldo’s shot within seconds.

Ronaldo thought he should have been awarded a penalty in the middle of the first half when he lost to Matt Doherty, but the referee allowed the game to continue, allowing the hosts to counterattack.

Col. Robinson took charge of the hosts, forcing Ruild Patricio to work with a coiled left effort before hitting wide with another long ranger effort before half-time.

The Republic of Ireland not only hung in there, but created the last half-time chance and led Chidos Ogbene to a post near Robinson’s cross.

Ronaldo looked disappointed after Coleman was sent off early in the second half, but when Portugal ‘s central defense pair Pepe and Danilo looked less than convincing against Ogbene’s speed, Ireland found a chance.

Josh Dwarf may have had a better chance when he got a shot from Mathews Nunes’ slip, but Ronaldo was a few seconds late to a freekick duff.

However, the Republicans got a big boost when Ronaldo rooted for Basu with a header in the 67th minute.

Pepe, who had previously warned handball, was sent off after a misjudged Irish attack against Robinson in the 82nd minute, in which Will Keane made a late debut as a replacement, but Ronaldo could have saved six minutes when it was inactive. To the cliff near Basunu.

Scholars: Signs of Progress in the Republic of Ireland; Portugal wanted a draw

Former Republic of Ireland International Richard Dunn at Sky Sports:

“I would say yes, yes [it’s the best result of Stephen Kenny’s tenure so far].

“We get a result against Portugal, which puts us in the top 10 international teams, which is a big result for Kenny.

“It shows that there is a certain level of progress and if an Irish team goes to this campaign, you would watch the match against Portugal and think we would get a point to qualify,” he said.

“Obviously, the first results put the team in a bad position in terms of qualification, but there are signs of improvement. Against Portugal, this is a good point and also gives the group a chance to finish third. “

Former Republic of Ireland International Phil Bob Sky Sports:

“The Republic of Ireland has grown in the game, you can see the confidence growing, the spectators get up a little bit, you can see the momentum. But I really feel like I don’t want to take anything away from Ireland’s performance, but this is not a typical Portuguese side.

“I think they came to the match wanting a draw. They had only one eye on Sunday’s match in Lisbon. They came to a draw and there was no peak push from them.

But Ireland may be a little disappointed at not being able to win. In the last 10 minutes they definitely grew in the game and tried to create, but they didn’t have that edge or a few classes they needed in front of the goal. “

What the players said …

Striker of the Republic of Ireland Column Robinson: “The important thing is to win, but it shows how far we have come as a group to compete with the best and the best, and we have done a great job at it. [Cristiano Ronaldo].

“We had two half chances, but it wasn’t like that. It was a game that proved that we were going in the right direction.

“The fans were there, it was an amazing feeling, they were happy to get a result, we went inside. Another night, with half the chances, we could have won. “

Defender of the Republic of Ireland Shane Duffy, Their 50th selection winners against Portugal: “I think we played well. This is more progress on the part of the team, we are a little disappointed that we did not win, it was a really brave performance.

“We kept a clean sheet against one of the best teams in the world and there are a lot of positives given the chances.

“You laugh when someone tells you that your country gets 50 caps. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and it’s hard and tough.

“You don’t know if this will be your last, so you want to enjoy every moment. “

Captain of the Republic of Ireland Seamus Coleman: “You can see what we’re trying to do from the start, and for the better part of the game we felt comfortable.

“Of course I need it [Stephen Kenny] To stay. With support you can see, they enjoy football, the players are brave, they like the ball, they appreciate the ball.

“I love playing for Ireland and we really enjoy it as players. “

Stephen Kenny said …

Head of the Republic of Ireland Stephen Kenny: “I thought we were starting to get a little nervous, in the beginning Portugal was very good. In the second half, I thought we were the best team.

“We scored a legitimate goal, it wasn’t a foul, Will Keane is holding on, we’re disappointed [with the decision].

“We faced them twice, 88 minutes into the 1-0 lead and I thought we were the best in the second half tonight.

“There is room for improvement, but we got more shots on target than that. It was a good performance. We have evolved and you can see the way we play.

“In nine matches, we lost only one in the 97th minute in the Faroe. We are fine. “

Man of the Match – Time Robinson

Richard Dunn To Air Sports: “I think Robinson’s best position is a little wider. I think this freedom to come from outside is more appropriate for him. When he comes to play that central character, I think he has a responsibility to try to catch the defenders when he wants to get around and try different pockets, but he did it well. He was the brightest spark of the Irish team. ”

Opta Statistics: Portugal disappointed in Dublin …

The Republic of Ireland failed to score 53% of their 19 games in all competitions under Stephen Kenny (10/19), ‘the highest ratio for any manager who supports more than two games for the national team.

This is Portugal ‘s first 0-0 draw in 36 World Cup qualifiers (including the play – offs) since a 0-0 draw with Sweden in March 2009.

It was only the Republic of Ireland’s second clean sheet against Portugal, their first clean sheet since a 1-0 victory in the Euro 1996 qualifiers in April 1995.

Pepe’s dismissal was Portugal’s first red card in three years since Danilo Pereira was sent off in the UEFA Nations League against Poland in November 2018.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been involved in seven of Portugal’s 12 attempts tonight (creating 5 shots and 2 chances), but his only attempt to reach the goal came in the sixth minute of extra time in the second half.

What then?

The Republic of Ireland World Cup Qualifying Campaign ends on Saturday with a trip to Luxembourg, live Sky Sports Football; Kick off at 7.45.

Meanwhile, Portugal’s chances of automatic qualification are on the rise as they face Serbia, the winners of the match against Serbia in Lisbon. Air Sports Via the red button; Kick off at 7.45.