Video
Details
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 September 2021 | 7:45 pm | Men's Senior | 2021/22 |
Match Report
Record making Ronaldo breaks Irish hearts
A record breaking Cristiano Ronaldo brace, helped Portugal salvage all three points, as the forward's goals cancelled out a late first half header from John Egan, as Ireland remain pointless, in Group A of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The Boys in Green battled well during tonight’s fixture and deserved a point, the side looking much the better during the tie, a brave display as the defence looked water tight, before two lapses in concentration cost Ireland the victory.
Portugal started the better of the two sides, and were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute, as Bruno Fernandes was brought down by Jeff Hendrick. After a lengthy VAR check, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the kick, but 19-year-old Gavin Bazunu, guessed correctly to save the spot kick, diving to his right to deny the Portuguese forward.
The Republic started to push on during the half, and did create some chances, but failed to make any headway, to test Rui Patrico in the Portugal goal. Ireland’s best chance fell to Aaron Connolly, who did well to get into the home side's box, but his effort went off Patrico for a corner.
In a dramatic turn of events, Stephen Kenny's men found themselves ahead just before the break, Jamie McGrath taking the resulting corner, his cross found the head of Egan, who fires home a powerful header past Patrico, as Ireland would lead 1-0 at the break.
Chances were plentiful for Portugal during the second half, Fernandes having an effort at goal that went wide, while Bernardo Silva missed a close-range chance, firing over the bar.
Pre game the build up was all around Ronaldo’s record breaking attempt, the Portugal forward having a free kick saved by Bazunu late on, before the forward broke the men's international goal scoring record, getting free in the box before sending a powerful header into the back of the net.
With the clock having ticked over the 95-minute mark, a draw looked to be the result, but again Ronaldo was on hand to break Irish hearts, again getting space to head home past Bazunu, as Portugal came home with all three points.
Timeline
| 13. Jeff Hendrick | 10' | |
| Dara O'Shea | 32' | |
| Dara O'Shea Andrew Omobamidele | 36' | |
| 5. John Egan | 45' | |
| 15. Aaron Connolly | 47' | |
| Matt Doherty | 56' | |
| Aaron Connolly James McClean | 72' | |
| Jamie McGrath Jayson Molumby | 90' | |
| Adam Idah James Collins | 90' |
Past Meetings
 
1 - 3Women's Senior
Estadio Nacional Portugal v Republic of Ireland |
1 - 0Women's Senior
Estadio Nacional Portugal v Republic of Ireland |
0 - 1UEFA Women's EURO Qualification
Tallaght Stadium Republic of Ireland v Portugal |
1 - 2UEFA Women's EURO Qualification
Estadio Nacional Portugal v Republic of Ireland |
|
(Algarve Cup)
2 - 1Women's Senior
Estadio Algarve, Faro Portugal v Republic of Ireland |
|
(Algarve Cup)
2 - 0Women's Senior
Estadio Algarve, Faro Portugal v Republic of Ireland |
|
(Algarve Cup)
0 - 0Women's Senior
Estadio da Nora, Ferreiras Republic of Ireland v Portugal |
|
(Algarve Cup)
1 - 1Women's Senior
Estadio Municipal, Lagos Portugal v Republic of Ireland |
|
(Algarve Cup)
0 - 1Women's Senior
Alvor Portugal v Republic of Ireland |
|
(Algarve Cup)
3 - 2Women's Senior
Quieteria Portugal v Republic of Ireland |
Ground
| Estádio Algarve |
|---|
| Estádio Algarve, Medronhal, Faro, Portugal |
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.
Heartbreak for Ireland, Ronaldo does it again to salvage three points, heading home in space in the box
Double late Irish sub, James Collins and Jayson Molumby on for Adam Idah and Jamie McGrath
And hes done it, Cristiano Ronaldo breaks Irish hearts and breaks the goal scoring record
Another fine stop by the Irish number 1 to deny a Ronaldo free kick
A massive let off for Ireland, Bernardo Silva has a free shot at goal but he drives his shot over the bar
James McClean replaces Aaron Connolly
Yet more chances for Portugal but the Irish defence remains strong to keep them out
Another chance for Ireland, Adam Connolly connects with a John Egan pass but he cant find the target, big calls for a penalty
Matt Doherty booked for time waisting
Great chance for Portugal but Bruno Fernandes fails to hit the target
Wow, a stellar first half from the boys in green sees them 1-0 up at half time, John Egan with a powerful header from a corner, has the boys in green ahead
Almost a howler by Bazunu from a Jota shot but the keeper does well to keep the ball out
Connolly goes into the book for a high challenge
WHAT A GOAL BY JOHN EGANNNN, he heads home from a Jamie McGrath corner
Another fine spell for Ireland results in a chance for Aaron Connolly but he hits an effort at Rui Patrico
Ireland forced into an early change, Andrew Omobamidele comes in for Dara O'Shea
Dara O'Shea picks up a yellow card but looks to be coming off
Nice passages of play from Ireland but they cant make anything of it
BAZUNU SAVES THE PENALTY
Lengthy Var check does not over turn the penalty
Jeff Hendrick sees yellow for a foul on Bruno Fernandes
Penalty Portugal
Tonight could be a historic night for Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo, tied on 109 goals with Ali Daei of Iran, for the all time international top scorers list, one goal tonight sees him top the list on his 180th cap for his country
The hosts Portugal have a wealth of top performers in their side, all eyes are on Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside him are Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias and the experienced Pepe just to name a few of their starters,
Looking at the Republic of Ireland team for tonight's tie, Ex Dundalk man Jamie McGrath gets his first start for the boys in Green as Aaron Connolly gets back in to lead the line with Adam Idah
A warm evening in Portugal, the sun shining on the Estádio Algarve as the Republic of Ireland take on the mighty Portugal, my name is Diarmuid Kearney and I will keep you updated on tonights action