How Ireland rated v Portugal: A collective defensive performance that was so much improved
Republic of Ireland players, from left, John Egan, Josh Cullen, Dara O'Shea and Nathan Collins react after conceding their first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Top performer. Again. Looked beaten for Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot that came off the post but a surprisingly quiet start to the evening until a very good reactionary stop from a corner approaching the break. Made impressive saves from Ruben Neves and Vitinha around the hour before an utterly brilliant stop with his foot to deny Ronaldo’s penalty. Hard to blame him for the late concession. 8
First cap for 13 months and, despite his physical limitations and lack of club football, the commitment and application was never going to be in doubt when marshalling a flank that had the world’s best left wing back on the opposite side. 7
Important header from Nuno Mendes’s cross early on and relieved after a brief nervous moment when Vitinha’s shot took a heavy deflection off him and looped on to the roof of Kelleher’s net. Part of a collective defensive performance that was so much improved irrespective of the late heartbreak. 7
The captain justifiably copped a lot of blame for last month’s mess but he made a series of courageous blocks here and produced a display of real leadership without putting a notable foot wrong. An outing more in line with his club performances. 7
Justifiably upset that he was penalised for handball for the penalty kick, which was a pity because this was a far steadier outing compared to Yerevan as he made a couple of solid interceptions and displayed clearer signs of leadership. 7
Disciplined in terms of keeping his shape – a clear issue in recent appearances as he sought to impact things further up the pitch – but the trade off was fewer forays forward. Booked late on for time wasting. 6 Josh Cullen Rarely on the ball but retained it well when it was at his feet and the Burnley midfielder put in plenty of unseen, underappreciated work in terms of shielding the three central defenders behind him. Cautioned in the final minute of normal time for getting in the way of Goncalo Ramos. 6
Recalled in the absence of the injured Jason Knight and acquitted himself really well, closing down gaps and passing with a relative crispness. Shot well over from range about 25 minutes in but this was an outing worthy of praise. 7
Booked for challenge on Nuno Mendes, incurring full wrath of Roberto Martinez, but was assertive when allowed to sporadically counter and frustratingly denied one attack by the referee getting in the way. 7
Fired high and wide before a late offside flag in the first half and had an unlikely claim for handball off Ruben Dias correctly dismissed in the second. Became more of an outlet when Ebosele was substituted. 6
Dropped deep from early on and the fewest touches of any starting player but would be cruel to be too critical considering the circumstances of the match. Still, he must deliver against Armenia on Tuesday. 5
Mikey Johnston (for Ebosele, 64mins) Less of a threat than Ebosele, though did little wrong. 5; Will Smallbone (for Ogbene, 77) not on long enough to be rated; Troy Parrott (for Ferguson, 77) not on long enough to be rated; John Egan (for Coleman 86) not on long enough to be rated
Gavin Bazunu, Mark Travers, Jack Taylor, Kasey McAteer, Adam Idah, Will Ferry, Jimmy Dunne, Finn Azaz.
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