Cristiano Ronaldo expects a hostile reception from Irish fans when Portugal face the Republic of Ireland in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Aviva Stadium on Thursday. A victory for Portugal would secure their qualification for the 2026 tournament, while Ireland need points to stay in the playoff race. The 40-year-old forward has vowed to 'try to be a good boy' amid tensions from their last meeting.
The match at Aviva Stadium in Dublin kicks off at 7.45pm and will be broadcast on Premier Sports 1. Portugal sit top of Group F, with a win guaranteeing their spot in the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer. Ronaldo, who has confirmed this will be his last World Cup, leads the line with 143 goals in 225 international appearances, closing in on 1,000 career goals.
Ireland, managed by Heimir Hallgrimsson, are third in the group with four points from four games, one point behind Hungary and two games remaining. A loss would end their qualification hopes, especially if Hungary defeats Armenia earlier on Thursday, leaving Ireland four points adrift. Hallgrimsson warned his players of Ronaldo's threat, noting his relentless desire for goals makes Portugal a unique attacking team. 'The statistics speak and answer that question. He is still scoring goals and breaking records,' Hallgrimsson said.
Tensions stem from last month's reverse fixture in Lisbon, where Ireland suffered late heartbreak. Caoimhin Kelleher saved Ronaldo's penalty, but Ruben Neves scored an injury-time winner for a 1-0 Portugal victory. Ronaldo's celebration in the face of defender Jake O’Brien irked Irish fans. Midfielder Josh Cullen believes Ireland can exploit Portugal's defense, saying, 'There are areas that we can exploit in this team when we have the ball.'
Portugal midfielder Joao Neves expects a tough away game, adding, 'I think it will be more difficult, away from home, they will be with their fans.' Ireland face absences due to injury and suspension: Jayson Molumby is banned, while Mark Sykes, Jason Knight, Will Smallbone, Evan Ferguson, and Robbie Brady are out. Portugal miss Pedro Neto and Pedro Goncalves.
Predicted line-ups are: Ireland - Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott. Portugal - Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha, Silva, Leao; Ronaldo.
Ronaldo remains respectful, stating, 'I really like the fans here... I hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.' He acknowledged Ireland's quality, predicting a difficult match similar to Lisbon.
