World Cup: McCarthy hoping for Estonia favour

Ireland boss Mick McCarthy admitted he was not surprised by Portugal’s 3-1 World Cup qualifier victory over Cyprus in Limassol tonight, a win which now puts the Portuguese ahead of Ireland in Group Two.

"I had a little boost when I heard that the Cypriots were leading by a single goal at half-time," said McCarthy.

"But I really knew that Portuguese class would tell at the finish."

Tonight’s results mean that Portugal and Ireland are tied on 21 points with one game to play.

The Irish will be at home to Cyprus at Lansdowne Road on October 6 with Portugal at home to Estonia on the same date.

"I do not see Portugal making any slip up in their final game against Estonia. Now they have a seven-goal advantage in the goal difference table.

"Coach Antonio Oliveira will be satisfied with nothing but victory against the Estonians," added McCarthy.

But Ireland, with six wins and three draws from nine games, will be equally determined to finish the qualifying campaign against Cyprus on a winning note.

"That would be the perfect send off to our World Cup play-off games against an Asian nation come November. We are on a roll at the minute and I want to see that unbeaten 14-match record preserved.

"My only worry is that, although we are definitely through to the play-offs, we must guard against any further yellow or red cards. And who knows? Estonia just might do us a favour in Portugal next month."