Portugal player ratings in shocker versus Ireland | OneFootball

Portugal lineup versus the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin (Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Portugal’s search for a first-ever victory on Irish soil goes on, as does its bid to seal up World Cup qualification with the hosts inflicting a demoralizing 2-0 defeat. Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off early in the second half of what will be his last ever World Cup qualification match and the Seleção must now secure at least a draw against Armenia to book automatic qualification. Parrott twice did the honours for the hosts, who defended their early advantage with surprisingly few concerns ahead of their winner-take-all affair in Budapest on Sunday.

Perhaps sensing the urgency of the moment, Martinez selected a no-nonsense XI with João Neves taking over for the suspended Bruno Fernandes in midfield and João Félix alongside Al Nassr teammate Cristiano Ronaldo having registered 17 G/A in 16 matches for his new club.

Nathan Motz sorts through the wreckage to clarify what went so horribly wrong in Dublin.

Diogo Costa – 5/10

Of late, the FC Porto No.1 has appeared more susceptible to routine errors against lower ranked opponents and Troy Parrott very nearly took advantage of his unusually lackadaisical approach to a clearance in the 17th minute. The resulting corner, however, found its way back across goal to Parrott, who easily dispatched his header into an open net. Had little else to do aside from retrieving another of Parrott’s finishes from his own net.

João Cancelo – 5

Picked up a needless yellow in the 19’ which must have contributed to his benching at half time. Great trickery to create mass confusion in the Irish penalty area on 39’. Involved well enough with 60 first half touches and two key passes but could not rekindle his September form tonight.

Gonçalo Inácio – 5.5

Great ball into the box for Ronaldo though the eventual chance went begging on 27’. Played Parrott onside for the second goal from O’Shea’s ball over the top, and far less involved than Dias. Hooked at the break for Veiga, and Martinez’s noncommittal approach to identifying a settled CB pairing continues.

Rúben Dias – 6.5

Busier than he might have expected, Dias looked sharp enough winning several important headers and 95% passing. Great ball over the top for Dalot in the 72’ which nearly led to desperately needed goal. Stepped in front of Johnston’s effort in the 90’ but the match was well and truly lost well before that.

Diogo Dalot – 5.5

Beaten in the 20th minute allowing his marker to cross as Ireland’s best forays came down his side early on. Should have done better in the 40th minute but couldn’t keep his shot down then blazed over again minutes later following a corner. Dalot might feel more comfortable on the right, but he improved in the second half to finish with a match high 4 tackles. Even so, his quality is suspect at this level – tonight being case and point.

João Neves – 6

Made an important run back to cut out the danger after a Kelleher long ball 9’and another 30’ to stop a counter. Hit a good effort wide left in the 31’ and took great care of the ball all evening on 94 touches, but greater things will be expected of the diminutive PSG man.

Vitinha – 7, PortuGOAL.net’s Portugal Man of the Match

Critical defensive interception in the 14’ to deny service from the right. Elected himself field general in the usual manner, searching for corridors through the defence. Miscued an effort badly in the 47’ when well-positioned at the back post. Four shots, 129/136 passes completed, 100% tackles won, and all for naught against the resilient Irish vanguard.

Rúben Neves – 5.5

Announced himself with a decent effort from range in the 26’ but gave Ogbene too much space to shoot on 38’, the Irish winger crashing his shot agonizingly against the upright. Good block on Azaz’s 75’ shot, made a couple important tackles and added two key passes but would Palhinha have proven the sturdier impediment to the host’s counterattacking forays?

Bernardo Silva – 5

No shots and only 81% passing, Bernardo struggled down the tightly packed right of Portugal’s formation, doing no better with Semedo in the second half as he did with Cancelo in the first. Dare I say Bruno Fernandes was missed?

João Félix – 5

Two key passes the only highlight in what was a dreadful opening forty-five for the visitors. As has unfortunately become the pattern, it simply was not good enough from Félix. Failed to track Scales’ back-post run allowing him to head across the face of goal for Parrott’s opener. Too soft and hesitant on the ball for this level. Five first half efforts, zero on target, no completed dribbles, and to a crescendo rises the outcry against his participation in this side.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 3.5

Started brightly enough with three efforts inside the first ten minutes but it all went horribly wrong in the end. Initially yellow-carded for lashing out with his elbow after being held by O’Shea in the penalty area, the referee took little time upgrading to a red following VAR review. Cristiano was not the reason why Portugal lost, and he was petulant and foolish to expect anything other than the Irish players meddling with his concentration. An ignominious end to a respectable World Cup qualification campaign from the 41-year-old, his last ever

Substitutes

Renato Veiga – 5.5

Let an Ogbene effort get through his legs which fortunately skimmed wide of Costa’s upright. Strong in the air and covered down on Ireland’s counters showing good pace

Nélson Semedo – 5.5

Involved in the attack right away and gave the Irish something else to think about on the right but was dispossessed twice and struggled against the host’s physicality.

Trincão – 6

Some good deliveries from the right of Portugal’s midfield and found his way past several markers to create danger.

Rafael Leão – 5

Not fair to judge him too harshly in a match like this, but it was more of the same from the AC Milan star. Careless passing, running into blind alleys – often with several Irish defenders for company. No shots and no successful dribbles on 18 touches.

Gonçalo Ramos – 6

Drew a big save from Kelleher after brilliantly taking down a difficult ball and swivelling to shoot to the keeper’s left. Will be offered a huge opportunity to carry Portugal to the 2026 World Cup on Sunday against Armenia.