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Published 21:40 11 Nov 2021 GMT
Updated 22:01 11 Nov 2021 GMT
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Matheus Nunes of Portugal is tackled by Jeff Hendrick of Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. (Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)[/caption]
The second half saw Portugal pick up the pace a bit while still failing to worry Bazunu. Ireland fashioned a decent chance for Josh Cullen but he shot straight at Patricio.
There was a growing sense as Portugal tipped along that the visitors would be happy to leave with a point. Stephen Kenny sensed that too and brought on Adam Idah for Jamie McGrath for the final half hour.
The next big chance of the game fell to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Irish defence was caught out and it was Jeff Hendrick back defending. He did enough to put the Manchester United star off as he headed just wide.
A soft red card for Pepé, for a second yellow, gave the home fans a real spur, on 82 minutes. Ireland pressed for the winner and thought they had it, through Matt Doherty. The referee had blown up for a Will Keane foul on Patricio, and it was hard to argue against it. Bazunu denied Ronaldo in injury time and that was all she wrote.
Here's how we rated Stephen Kenny's boys in green:
Jeff Hendrick - 7
Oozed calmness in the first half as he cut out attacks and instigated a few for his side. Did enough, when chasing back, to put Ronaldo off his header.
Jamie McGrath - 6
Such a tidy player, and looks comfortable at this level. Got a foot in to repel one Ronaldo run. A willing runner but drifted out of the game in the second half, before being replaced.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 8
Caused Danilo no end of trouble. Touch was a bit loose, early on. Drove Ireland forward well on a few occasions. Unfortunate with his yellow card as his opponent really hammed it up. Couldn't keep his header down, late in the first half.
Callum Robinson - 8
Stung the palms of Rui Patricio after cutting inside to uncork a shot, midway through the first half. Tried to repeat the dose, not long after, but shot was a yard too high, and wide. Got a great cross in but Ogbene headed over. Didn't cover himself in glory for the Pepé red card. Covered most blades of grass out there.
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