Republic of Ireland’s manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has emphasized the importance of a strategic approach as his team prepares to face Portugal in their World Cup qualifier set for 19:45 GMT. Hallgrimsson remarked that this match will not resemble a high-scoring basketball game. Instead, he underlined the need for a well-planned style of play, regardless of whether the team is aiming for a win or a draw.
The previous encounter between the two sides in Lisbon ended dramatically, with Portugal clinching a last-minute victory from a Ruben Neves header, despite the Irish side’s strong defensive performance, which included a vital penalty save by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from Cristiano Ronaldo.
As Hallgrimsson outlined, the Republic of Ireland’s strategy will involve calculated risks rather than an all-out offensive approach. “We have a plan for it and the players must be ready psychologically for this encounter,” he stated. He also expressed confidence that the Irish defense could again frustrate Portugal, who may look to tweak their tactics after struggling to create goal-scoring opportunities in their last meeting.
While a win against Portugal remains a challenging target, Hallgrimsson’s focused and disciplined mindset aims to inspire his players to maintain composure and execute their game plan effectively. This strategic preparation sheds light on the Republic of Ireland’s determination to compete at a high level, fostering positivity as they gear up for the important qualifier.