"Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, are unbeaten in five matches and have started qualifying in ruthless fashion, thrashing Armenia 5-0 before beating Hungary 3-2 in early September. Meanwhile, Ireland, under the management of Heimir Hallgrimsson, are winless in four and have so far picked up just one point in Group F following a 2-2 draw with Hungary and 2-1 defeat to Armenia."
"Hallgrimsson admitted his side need a "nearly perfect game" if they are to get anything from the match with Portugal, who, in 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, have a player with yet another goalscoring record in his sights. After his penalty against Hungary last month, Ronaldo is just one goal away from becoming the out-right top scorer in men's World Cup qualifying history. He is currently tied on 39 goals with Guatemala's now-retired Carlos Ruiz, and three ahead of Lionel Messi."
"Portugal: Costa; Dalot, Inacio, Dias, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto. Ireland: Kelleher; Collins, O'Shea, O'Brien; Coleman, Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby, Manning; Ferguson, Ogbene."
Portugal are the reigning Nations League champions and unbeaten in five matches. They began World Cup qualifying with a 5-0 win over Armenia and a 3-2 victory against Hungary. Ireland are winless in four matches and have one point in Group F after a 2-2 draw with Hungary and a 2-1 defeat to Armenia. Ireland will need a nearly perfect game to get anything from the trip to Lisbon. Forty-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is one goal away from becoming the outright top scorer in men's World Cup qualifying history, currently tied on 39 with Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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