Amazing to see what one result can do pick up the mood of a nation, the Republic Of Ireland’s 2-0 win over Portugal in the second last World Cup qualifier for the 2026 World Cup has given them a fighting chance of getting to at the very least a play off in March 2026 if they can go to Budapest on Sunday afternoon and get a win that will see us seal a play-off spot and if Armenia could defeat Portugal on home soil then maybe they could seal automatic qualification.
The good old days that so many speak of between 1988 and 1994 came back last night. It was a performance full of discipline, passion, aggression and a lot more besides.
Troy Parrott who is playing his club football in Holland had scored 13 goals so far this season, Erling Haaland has scored 14 times for Man City in the Premier League. So that tells you that Parrott is in form. Evan Ferguson was ruled out through injury and that saw Parrott lead the line and score two goals to put the Republic 2-0 up at the break.
This performance also saw Josh Cullen have his best outing in a green shirt, having spent time with Anderlecht in Belgium under Vincent Kompany, he is now playing with Burnley in the Premier League.
The one aspect of last night is that Ireland didn’t get over run in midfield for the first time in a long time and also had an out ball where both Parrott and Ogbene gave out full backs and midfield 3 options to release the pressure.
They had a few other chances to score with Ogbene hitting the post. The Portugese played a very high line and Ireland could have found the net a few more times. Cristiano Ronaldo is a wonderful player but last night before he was sent off on the hour mark, he actually hampered their ability to create clear chances. Gonzalo Ramos should have started up front but that is for another day….
The Irish back line stuck to its task with Seamus Coleman leading the line with Jake O Brien, Nathan Collins and Liam Scales. Caoimhin Kelleher produced a big save late on to keep the score line at 2-0, he had a quite night by his standards but there is no harm in that.
The atmosphere last night in Dublin 4 was electric and it has been pointed out that last night was a coming of age moment for the team but also for the supporters as a generation of supporters have yet to experience Ireland at a major tournament.
Last night gave them and the players a look at what can be achieved if we can go to Budapest and beat Hungary who like ourselves are looking to make major finals. The stage is set for a huge game at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.
Euro 88, Italia 90, USA 94, Euro 2012, Euro 2016 and now the opportunity is there for them to go and see can they seal at least a play off spot to see can they make it to the 2026 World Cup….. It will take a performance similar to last night to get past the Hungarians on home soil but the confidence gained from the 90 + minutes last night will only help…..