Ronaldo Prepares for Dublin Showdown Amidst Familiar Challenges

Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is well aware of what awaits him in Dublin. During Portugal’s last visit to Ireland in 2021, the match ended in a tense goalless draw, during which he faced a chorus of boos every time he touched the ball. Such hostility did not faze him then, and it seems unlikely to do so now.

Ronaldo’s longevity has ensured his central role in the Selecao squad, and the passionate Irish supporters are expected to create another intense atmosphere. However, Ronaldo is anticipated to thrive on that energy.

On the eve of Thursday’s match, Ronaldo approached the expected reception with a blend of humor and defiance. “The stadium will boo me; I’m used to it. I certainly hope they do; maybe it will take the pressure off other players,” he told reporters. “What I want most is to enjoy myself. It’s not decisive, but almost. We know that with a victory, we qualify. We want to finish it off now.”

He may encounter a familiar face in Ireland’s assistant coach, John O’Shea, with whom he shared six seasons at Manchester United. “Well, if I see him around, of course, he was someone I played with for so many years. I have a very good relationship with him, and with some Irish people. I have some relations here, and it’s good,” he remarked. With a wink, he added, “I hope that there are no boos against me tomorrow. For me, it’s a pleasure to play here again. I swear I will try to be a good boy.”

Ireland’s defensive resilience proved to be a challenge for Portugal in 2021, and it will require creativity and patience to break through once more. Ronaldo anticipates a similar game, stating, “I think the game will be quite similar in Lisbon. They play with their supporters on their side, which will be more exciting for the fans. But tactically, I think it will be much the same. They won’t push too much forward; they’ll wait for us, defend tightly, and play on the counterattack. We know it will be tough, as physically they are very strong, but we must play our game and aim to win.”

Ireland’s manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, acknowledges Ronaldo’s threat and remarked, “The statistics speak for themselves. He is still scoring goals and breaking records. One reason why they are such a unique attacking team is his relentless desire to score. They will deliver crosses and constantly seek him out. Most teams, when winning, would slow down the game, but Portugal aims to score even more, and Ronaldo is a significant factor in their unique attacking strategy.”

Ronaldo acknowledged Hallgrimsson’s comments regarding his ongoing value to the national team, saying, “In a way, I agree. I know when I’m an asset, and I can tell when I play well and when I don’t. The quality of the game must always prevail. These are just words. What I want is for us to qualify.”

Ronaldo’s history in Dublin also includes uplifting moments. After the 2021 goalless draw, a young Irish fan named Addison Whelan, then 11, managed to breach security and sprinted onto the pitch to reach her idol. Instead of showing irritation, Ronaldo embraced her and gifted her his match jersey. “I was literally delighted. I couldn’t believe it because I didn’t think I’d make it,” she recalled. “It was just a second, but I gave him a hug, told him I was a huge fan, and he said he appreciated that and gave me his jersey.”

However, this time around, Ronaldo’s focus remains sharp. Portugal understands that a win in Dublin will secure their place at the World Cup, while failing to do so would shift the pressure to their upcoming fixture against Armenia at home.