Manager’s message to the referee
Heimir Hallgrimsson urged match official Glenn Nyberg to keep control when Ireland meet Portugal at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday. The coach felt Cristiano Ronaldo influenced proceedings in Lisbon and said players must not referee the game. He called on home supporters to back the team without putting pressure on the officials.
High stakes in Group F
Portugal can seal top spot and a finals berth with a win in Dublin. Ireland trail Hungary by one point and may need a result to keep second place alive before visiting Budapest on Sunday. Ireland are ranked 62 by FIFA while Portugal are fifth.
Lessons from Lisbon
Ireland defended well in the reverse fixture. Caoimhin Kelleher saved a Ronaldo penalty before a late Ruben Neves header settled the match. Hallgrimsson said Ireland cannot play open football against Portugal and must be clever and cynical in transitions.
Player view
Defender Dara O’Shea said the squad has learned from recent setbacks and believes those lessons can help deliver a famous result in Dublin.
