"When you play against the so-called better sides in the world, sometimes probably their main focus in their performance isn't the defensive side of the game. So, when you do get that chance to have possession, I feel that there are areas that we can exploit. The lesson I suppose I took away from the game [in Portugal] is that there are areas that we can exploit in this team when we have the ball. That's taking nothing away from the great players they have, of course. And we know that it's going to be another great challenge and a tough test for us, but I think there's belief there that we can hurt this team when we have possession."
"Obviously, as a team it's crucial for people to chip in and score goals. So, yeah, I'll keep doing my job as best I can on the other areas as well. And hopefully, if that chance falls my way, then I'll be able to put it away and get a big goal for my country as well, which would be great. To score a goal is the best feeling in football and I can imagine scoring for your country is a level above as well. It would mean everything to me. And hopefully, it's not too far away."
Josh Cullen believes Ireland can hurt Portugal and potentially delay Portugal's World Cup qualification by exploiting possession opportunities. Portugal can secure World Cup qualification with a win in Dublin, while Ireland need a win to keep play-off hopes alive. Cullen played in the Lisbon match decided by Ruben Neves' injury-time goal and believes Ireland saw exploitable spaces. He noted top sides may focus less on defensive work, creating chances to control possession and attack. The current Ireland squad's seven midfielders have scored just one goal combined, a shortfall Cullen says must improve. Cullen intends to maintain his defensive role while remaining ready to score for his country.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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