Fernando Santos: 'The most important game is against Ireland'

Fernando Santos

Fernando Santos Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)

Portugal’s qualification destiny remains in their own hands. October’s 5-0 thumping of Luxembourg left them a point behind Serbia in second with a game in hand. 

Should Fernando Santos’ side avoid defeat at the Aviva, they will require just one point against Serbia on Sunday to qualify for Qatar 2022, their eighth World Cup. 

Santos named a strong squad last week. Stars like Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City’s Ruben Días and Liverpool’s Diego Jota all earned call ups. 

Ronaldo broke Irish hearts in September, when his two late headers denied Ireland three points having led for 89 minutes. The 36-year-old became the highest men’s international goalscorer that night, surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei’s record of 109 goals. 

Despite the defeat, many Irish supporters called it Ireland’s most impressive away performance for years. 19-year old Gavin Bazunu produced a spectacular penalty save against Ronaldo, while Andrew Omobamidele and Jamie McGrath excelled. 

Santos spoke to the media from Lisbon before his team’s trip to Dublin. He confirmed that Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva will miss Thursday’s game, while Anthony Lopes, Joáo Mário and Rafa Silva are also ruled out.

On Silva, Santos said “He has muscle complaints. I don't think he has the conditions to go to this game but I think he will be okay for Serbia.

"He arrived very tired. He is recovering well. One of our physiotherapists will stay here so that on Friday he can be integrated into training.”

A factor that may play into Ireland's hands is the fact that six of Santos’ players are one booking away from suspension, including Dias, Joao Cancelo and Renato Sanches.

With qualification in touching distance, the Portugal boss could choose to rest some key players against Ireland ahead of Sunday’s clash against Serbia.



"I have confidence in all the players. More than getting a yellow card or not, you also have to think about how to be on the pitch. The most important game is against Ireland."

"They'll give everything but when you know that a yellow card prevents you from being in the next game, that can affect you in some way. I'll analyse it carefully and put out a strong team."

Portugal flew into Dublin on Wednesday evening, and will  face a raucous home crowd on Thursday. Ireland will take to the pitch infront of a full capacity Aviva for the first time in two years. 

 

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