Portugal v Republic of Ireland: Heimir Hallgrimsson says Irish need ‘nearly perfect game’ in World Cup qualifier

Nations League winners Portugal have won 18 of their previous 21 World Cup qualifying games and are unbeaten in their past six home matches against the Republic of Ireland.

They have a supremely talented squad, still spearheaded by legendary forward and captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who memorably scored two late headers to break Irish hearts in World Cup qualifying four years ago.

Hallgrimsson acknowledged that trying to contain Portugal’s multiple attacking threats will be the “most challenging thing”, but he has also called for his side to show a clinical edge to capitalise on any opportunities presented to them.

“We know from their past matches and against almost all their opponents, they will have possession, let’s say, 60-70% tomorrow,” Hallgrimsson added.

“We will be defending a lot of the time. The goal-scoring threats from their players is not one player, it’s a lot of them. So we cannot be focusing on one and then just another one will shine. That’s going to be the toughest one.

“And then for our forwards to use the opportunities we get, probably there’s not going to be many goal-scoring chances, but we must maximise what we take from our chances.”