Ireland Vs Portugal: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details

Ireland vs Portugal

MATCH INFO - FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Date	Today (Thursday, November 13, 2025)
Time	1:15 AM IST (7:45 PM GMT)
Stadium	Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Competition	FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Group F

🔥 Portugal Seek Qualification Against Resilient Ireland

The **Republic of Ireland** welcomes **Portugal** to the Aviva Stadium tonight for a crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Group F. With just two games remaining, Portugal (10 points) sit atop the group and can guarantee their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a victory in Dublin.

For Ireland (4 points), the task is simple yet daunting: they must secure a win to keep their slender hopes of advancing to the play-offs alive, especially with Hungary (5 points) playing Armenia concurrently. The 'Boys in Green' will be buoyed by a passionate home crowd and their recent defensive solidity, having held Portugal to a goalless draw in their last home meeting in the previous qualifying campaign.

The visitors, led by a motivated **Cristiano Ronaldo**, are the clear favourites, boasting superior form and quality. However, the last meeting between these two sides was a narrow 1-0 win for Portugal, who needed a 91st-minute goal to break down a resilient Irish defence. Expect a tense, cagey affair with high stakes for both teams.

• Event: FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Group F, Matchday 5
• Date: Today (Thursday, November 13, 2025)
• Time: 1:15 AM IST (7:45 PM GMT)
• Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
• Context: Portugal needs a win to qualify directly for the World Cup; Ireland must win to maintain any hope of reaching the play-offs.

⚔️ Team Analysis & Form

Republic of Ireland (Group Standings: 3rd, Form: W L)

Heimir Hallgrímsson's side has shown a pragmatic, defensively structured approach, with eight of their nine recent internationals being settled by a single goal or ending in a draw. However, they face a huge blow with the absence of star striker **Evan Ferguson** (ankle injury), whose three goals were vital in the campaign. Ireland will focus on maintaining a compact defensive shape, pressing in midfield, and looking to hit Portugal on the counter-attack, using the pace of players like **Chiedozie Ogbene** and the intelligent movement of **Troy Parrott**.

Portugal (Group Standings: 1st, Form: D W)

Portugal remains unbeaten in their last seven international matches (W5 D2) and has a tactical blend of individual brilliance and midfield discipline under Coach Roberto Martínez. While they will be without injured wingers **Pedro Neto** and **Pedro Gonçalves**, their squad depth is immense. **Cristiano Ronaldo** is set to lead the line, looking to score his first-ever goal on Irish soil. The creative hub of **Bernardo Silva** and **Bruno Fernandes** will be crucial in breaking down the stubborn Irish defence.

⭐ Key Players

• Ireland: Chiedozie Ogbene (Winger) - His immense pace and direct running will be Ireland’s best outlet on the counter, capable of turning defence into attack quickly.
• Ireland: John Egan (Centre-Back) - The defensive general's leadership and aerial ability will be vital in marshaling the Irish backline and defending set pieces against a dominant Portugal attack.
• Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo (Forward) - The all-time leading international goalscorer remains the focal point. His movement and finishing ability are unmatched, and he will be determined to seal qualification.
• Portugal: Bruno Fernandes (Midfielder) - The key playmaker whose vision and through-balls are essential for unlocking compact defences. He will look to operate between the lines and feed Ronaldo.

🎯 The Key Battlegrounds

• Portugal's Midfield Control vs. Ireland's Press: The battle between Portugal's holding midfielders and Ireland's central duo (likely Cullen/Taylor) will determine possession and tempo. Ireland must disrupt Portugal's rhythm.
• The Set-Piece Threat: Ireland's goals often come from late set-pieces and surges. Portugal's defence must maintain discipline, especially late in the game, to avoid conceding in a key area of Irish strength.
• Ronaldo vs. Irish Centre-Backs: The experience of **John Egan** and the solidity of **Nathan Collins** will be tested by Ronaldo's constant probing runs and aerial threat. Limiting his chances is paramount for Ireland.

🔮 Prediction and Final Word

Ireland's defensive resolve at home, combined with the absence of Evan Ferguson, suggests this will not be a high-scoring game. They will make it incredibly difficult for the visitors, playing for a crucial point that would keep their play-off hopes alive until the final day.

However, Portugal's quality and determination to secure qualification tonight, led by their world-class midfield and attack, should prove too much. Expect a performance of patience from Portugal, with a moment of individual brilliance or a late goal eventually breaking the deadlock and sealing their World Cup spot.

Predicted Score: Ireland 0 - 2 Portugal

Will Ireland cause a huge upset or will Portugal qualify? Catch the game live tonight!