A result that I don't think any of us were expecting.
Ronaldo definitely wasn't.
To be fair, I wasn't expecting it myself but it was a great night for Irish football and more importantly keeps us in the hunt for a world cup spot. Something that we though was out of reach after the first few results that we had in the group.
06/09 - Ireland 2-2 Hungary
09/09 - Armenia 2-1 Ireland
11/10 - Portugal 1-0 Ireland
14/10 - Ireland 1-0 Armenia
13/11 - Ireland 2-0 Portugal
We put up a good fight against Hungary but conceded two goals early which is hard to come back from. A draw was a good result in the end even if we had chances to score more.
The Armenia game was shocking as they were the better team. Fast paced, organized and caused us bother all night.
Against Portugal we put up a good fight and only conceded late in the match after defending for our lives and deserved a draw.
Against Armenia again we just about got the win with a late goal ourselves but no glory to be had form this game.
Last night however we were under pressure for a few periods of the game but full value for the game as Portugal didn't look like they were up for the fight and when Ronaldo went off they really lost all sense of danger.
I really enjoyed watching the game which isn't something that I can always say about the national team.
Our players stood up tall and got the breaks that usually don't come our way.
Seamus Coleman is nearing retirement but he was immense last night. Led the defense so well and kept his head when all hell was breaking loose.
Troy Parrott was a highly rated young player that never really got the break we expected but moving to the continent has done him the world of good and he is having a great couple of seasons at AZ Alkmaar which has given him the confidence to score twice last night against strong opposition.
And Dara O'Shea obviously wound Ronaldo up enough to get him sent off which is an achievement in itself and a big part of the victory.
Where are we now?
Most importantly we're still in the fight.
We had to get at least a point form the game to stay alive so winning puts the ball in our hands.
We play Hungary on Sunday and winner gets through to the knockout round for a place in the world cup.
Technically we can still top the group but that would require Portugal to los to Armenia and us to beat Hungary by five or more goals. Not a bet to put your money on.
We're just lucky to still have a chance at this stage.
Nothing was won last night so the hope is that these players realize the job isn't over and not to get carried away with one win when the biggest match is still to come.
And even bigger if they can get through that one.
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