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Match Details
Date: 2nd September 2021
Time: 12:15 AM IST
Venue: Estádio Algarve
News Updates: SportsTiger App
Preview:
Portugal lock horns with Republic of Ireland in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday. Both the teams will be looking to grab the three points on offer to consolidate their position in the points table. The Portuguese are currently on the top spot in the standings of group A with seven points, while Ireland are in 4th position with no points as of yet.
Team News:
Republic of Ireland
Ireland have a fully fit squad available.
Portugal
The squad will have many of the players who participated in the European Championship. Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo has also been included in the squad. Notably, the newcomers to the national team are Porto midfielder Otavio, Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio and Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Key Players
Analysis:
Portugal reached the quarterfinals of Euro 2020, where they crashed out at the hands of Belgium after losing 1-0 in a hard-fought contest. Meanwhile, Ireland’s last game was a friendly against Hungary in June which finished in a goalless draw. Portugal will head into the game as the strong favourites as they have no shortage of attacking options with a power-packed forward line consisting of some of world’s best attackers.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota will be the key players for Portugal as the duo will be expected to create goal-scoring chance. Ronaldo will have a chance to become all-time men's top scorer in international soccer. Currently, Ronaldo has 109 goals, joint topper alongside Iran striker Ali Daei. On the other hand, Connolly and Idah will carry the goalscoring threat for Ireland. As a result, these players can also be good captain and vice-captain choices for this match.
Probable Playing XI
Republic of Ireland:
Kelleher; Egan, Duffy, O'Shea; Doherty, Hendrick, Hourihane, Cullen, McClean; Connolly, Idah
Portugal:
Patricio; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Pereira, Moutinho, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Jota
Team 1
Team 2
Best 14
GK: Kelleher
Defenders: Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Duffy
Midfielders: Fernandes; B. Silva, McClean, Hendrick, Hourihane
Forwards: Ronaldo, Jota, Connolly, Idah
Disclaimer: The fantasy tips and facts expressed within this article are personal opinion of the author. They do not reflect the views of SportsTiger. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.