Republic of Ireland v Portugal: Back visitors to rain down shots | OneFootball

World Cup 2026

Portugal are in pole position to reach the World Cup finals

Portugal know a win will see them qualify for World Cup 2026, but Republic of Ireland may find that a point keeps their slim hopes alive. Kevin Hatchard expects an onslaught from the visitors.

Republic of Ireland v PortugalThursday 13 November, 19:45

Republic sticking with safety-first approach

When Heimir Halgrimsson took the Republic of Ireland to Portugal earlier in these qualifiers, they dug in and were moments away from a creditable 0-0 draw. Caoimhin Kelleher made a brilliant save from a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, and heading into stoppage time the scoresheet was blank, but Ruben Neves popped up with a dramatic and emotional late winner.

Halgrimsson has indicated that his team will adopt the same approach in Dublin, but that could be playing with fire. Portugal still had a staggering 30 goal attempts in the first meeting, and have enough quality at the top end of the pitch to do damage.

The Republic have given themselves a chance of making second spot, as they beat Armenia last time out. However, should the Boys In Green lose and Hungary beat Armenia, the top-two hopes are dashed. It's hard to see how former Iceland boss Halgrimsson has taken the team forward, and failure to reach the World Cup finals would just add to a sense of drift.

Roma striker Evan Ferguson has been in strong form of late, but has been sidelined by an ankle injury. It's not clear at this stage whether he could be fit in time for what could be an all-important showdown with Hungary.

Ronaldo still leading the charge for Portugal

Even though he is speeding towards his 41st birthday, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the leader of Roberto Martinez's Portugal. No-one has more international caps, international goals or indeed goals in World Cup qualifiers. Martinez chose him consistently at Euro 2024 (sometimes to the team's detriment), and he will do the same in North America next summer.

Ronaldo has scored in three of Portugal's four qualifiers so far, and had a penalty saved in the other one. While there are still debates (largely outside Portugal) about whether the Selecao should have moved on, there's no denying Ronaldo's effectiveness.

Portugal are on the cusp of qualification. Victory nails down a spot at the World Cup, but with a five-point lead even a shock defeat wouldn't be decisive, not least because their final qualifier is at home to strugglers Armenia.

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is out, as is Sporting's attacking midfielder Pedro Goncalves. Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs could be a surprise starter after his excellent performance against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Portugal shot tally the key to profit

If the Republic are indeed going to batten down the hatches again, it doesn't look unreasonable to back the visitors to have 20 goal attempts or more at 5/4 on the Sportsbook.

Portugal had 20 against Hungary on home soil, 15 in Hungary and 24 in Armenia. Make no mistake, the Republic will try to cling on for a point to give themselves a chance of taking a top-two spot by winning in Hungary. Portugal will play on the front foot to try to seal qualification as quickly as possible.

Recommended bets

Back Portugal to have 20+ shots @ 5/4

New Customers can get £50 in free bets!