'This wasn't about shutting anyone up' - Ireland just wanted to keep World Cup dream alive says Nathan Collins

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke in the build-up to the game about the 'lovely' Irish fans and claiming the win to seal their place at the finals.

Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins, left, and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke warmly about the prospect of facing the Republic of Ireland and a red-hot atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium the night before Portugal’s visit.

"I really like the fans here. The support these fans give to the national team, it's lovely. For me, it's a pleasure to come and play here again,” he said at the pre-match press conference.

He may feel differently about that now as his red card and Troy Parrott’s first half brace, denied Ronaldo the victory his side needed to book their ticket to next summer’s World Cup.

Nathan Collins and Ireland had other ideas on Wednesday night as they produced a defensive masterclass to keep the Boys in Green’s hopes of reaching the finals alive.

“He wanted to qualify, that was their easy run then, they could go on holiday probably.

“It didn't really get to us. We knew we were going to do it, we knew we had a job to do,” added Collins, who wants Ireland to take confidence from this victory into Sunday’s decider in Budapest where a win against Hungary would secure a playoff spot.

“I've said it before, I always thought we had this in us and that's the most frustrating part when we lose because we know we have this in us.

“And that's where it hurts the most. Today wasn't about shutting up anyone, it wasn't about any of that.

“It was about us, team, fans and just giving ourselves a chance on Sunday.

“We have to take confidence from this. It'll be a completely different game, completely different team, away from home, it's a bit different again.

“But we have a threat we know what we have to do and it's simple now. It was so complicated for us before, but now it's simple enough.

“If we can do that, we can beat anyone. I think it's good that I've simplified it for us. We just need to win. Nothing else, no other strings attached. Just go win a match, a game of football.

“Today we were good and everything went well, so we just have to draw on that and try to do that again.”