Bernardo Silva unsurprised by battle with 'strong, physical' Irish 

But Portugal boss says victory over time-wasting Ireland was deserved

1 September 2021; Matt Doherty of Republic of Ireland is tackled by Bernardo Silva of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying group A match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio Algarve in Faro, Portugal. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Bernardo Silva wasn’t surprised Portugal were pushed so far by Ireland in last night’s World Cup qualifier, given his knowledge of Stephen Kenny’s players.

The Manchester City midfielder squandered Portugal's best chance to cancel out John Egan’s header in Faro but was relieved when Cristiano Ronaldo compensated for his missed penalty by bagging a late, late brace to pinch a 2-1 victory.