Ireland vs Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo shares an emotional moment with a pitch invader after a goalless draw against Ireland in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Watch Video- Although Portugal played a 0-0 draw last night against Ireland, there was one fan who was very happy after the 90 minutes. A young emotional fan invaded the pitch at full-time and Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartwarming gesture of giving the fan his shirt went viral on social media.
The draw leaves Portugal ahead of Serbia on goal difference ahead of their decisive match on Sunday in Portugal.
Both teams are tied on 17 points but Portugal has scored three more goals than the Serbians.
Portugal goes above Serbia in the table on goal difference. They will face each other in the next match to aim for direct qualification.
Ireland vs Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo shares an emotional moment with a pitch invader after a goalless draw against Ireland in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Watch Video
Cristiano Ronaldo gives his shirt to a young emotional fan who invades the pitch at full-time 👏 💚 pic.twitter.com/mvLorZttPP
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 11, 2021
Ireland vs Portugal in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Match Summary
Only the group winners automatically qualify for next year’s tournament in Qatar, while the second-place finishers will have to go through a playoff with the other runners-up and two group winners from the UEFA Nations League.
Portugal played a man down from the 82nd after veteran defender Pepe was shown a second yellow card that will keep him from playing against Serbia.
At age 38, Pepe became the oldest player to start for Portugal, surpassing former goalkeeper Vítor Damas by 13 days. It was his 123rd appearance, the fourth-most for the Portuguese national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a few good chances for the visitors but couldn’t capitalize on them.
“We didn’t have many chances but could’ve scored with the ones we created,” Portugal midfielder João Moutinho said. “We didn’t get the victory but we reached our goal of being in first place, which is what we wanted.”
Serbia did not play a qualifier on Thursday. It defeated World Cup host Qatar 4-0 in a friendly in Belgrade.
Ireland vs Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo shares an emotional moment with a pitch invader after a goalless draw against Ireland in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Watch Video