Ireland aim to exploit Portuguese weaknesses in crucial World Cup qualifier

Unless Armenia get a shock result against Hungary, Ireland will require at least a draw against Portugal. 

Heimir Hallgrímsson: “We can't go all-in against a team like Portugal - it's not going to be a basketball match." Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Ireland cannot afford to be lured into a basketball match against the Portugal powerhouse on Thursday, according to manager Heimir Hallgrímsson.

Unless Armenia inflict a shock in Yerevan by holding or beating Hungary, Ireland will require at least a draw off Cristiano Ronaldo’s table-toppers to have any hope of snaring a World Cup playoff by beating the Magyars in Sunday’s final qualifier.