Northern Ireland v Portugal International Match of the Day

It is another big night for Northern Ireland's footballers in Belfast,

It is another big night for Northern World Cup quarterfinal -- qualifier

It is another big night for Northern against the mighty Portugal. There

have been many locations in the stadium through the years and this

is set to be the last international before a multi-million pound

redevelopment. Wouldn't it be fitting if Northern Ireland

redevelopment. Wouldn't it be produce another special

performance? Just like they did last produce another special

month as manager Michael O'Neill got his first win after a year and a

month as manager Michael O'Neill got half in charge.

1-0! His first World Cup goal. Is he happy? Yes, new years. -- he is. Can

1-0! His first World Cup goal. Is he you believe it? It is one of those

nights. Well done, Michael O'Neill, you believe it? It is one of those

his 10th International and first you believe it? It is one of those

victory. They will be overjoyed. What a night at Windsor Park. Bring

victory. They will be overjoyed. on Portugal. Martin Paterson, the

goal-scoring hero against Russia. The challenge for Northern Ireland

goal-scoring hero against Russia. will be even more difficult night

goal-scoring hero against Russia. with a certain Ronaldo in town. The

goal-scoring hero against Russia. Real Madrid superstar and former

goal-scoring hero against Russia. world Player of the Year captains

Portugal. When these teams met world Player of the Year captains

earlier in the campaign, Northern Ireland had Ronaldo -- kept Ronaldo

quiet as they produced a fantastic Ireland had Ronaldo -- kept Ronaldo

draw after one of their best ever Ireland had Ronaldo -- kept Ronaldo

away performances. Portugal have only won once here at Windsor Park,

19 years ago, almost to the day, only won once here at Windsor Park,

when Keith Gillespie made only won once here at Windsor Park,

international debut. I will be only won once here at Windsor Park,

getting his thoughts later but only won once here at Windsor Park,

match commentator, Jackie Fullerton.

With three men Russia missing tonight from the back four, it has

With three men Russia missing been a defensive dilemma for Michael

With three men Russia missing O'Neill. Jonny Evans is back, and

With three men Russia missing Lee Hodson comes in for Aaron

Hughes. Shane Ferguson moves to left back. Filling in for the suspended

Daniel Lafferty. Chris Brunt is on back. Filling in for the suspended

the left wing but Michael O'Neill sticks with Jamie Ward and Martin

Paterson as the attacking duo. Which sticks with Jamie Ward and Martin

means that Kyle Lafferty has to make sticks with Jamie Ward and Martin

do with the place on the bench. sticks with Jamie Ward and Martin

Whenever you look at the Portuguese sticks with Jamie Ward and Martin

side, there is real quality, with the jewel in the crown, number

side, there is real quality, with seven, superstar captain, Cristiano

side, there is real quality, with Ronaldo of Real Madrid. His 106th

cap this evening. Missing, Nani, on Ronaldo of Real Madrid. His 106th

the bench. But look out for number Ronaldo of Real Madrid. His 106th

23 striker, Postiga. Alongside Ronaldo of Real Madrid. His 106th

Meireles, formerly of Liverpool and Chelsea. These days playing in

Turkey. Epee and Alves are strong Chelsea. These days playing in

central defenders. It is a very good side. -- Pepe. Northern Ireland

would love another big scalp. The side. -- Pepe. Northern Ireland

Portuguese have to win to keep alive hopes of automatic notification. And

today's result, Russia beating Luxembourg by four goals to one puts

today's result, Russia beating the Portuguese under pressure.

Portugal usually play for -3-0. -- 4-3-3.

Many of the sell-out crowd of 33,000 here to see that young man.

Many of the sell-out crowd of 33,000 Lionel Messi, the two best players

Many of the sell-out crowd of 33,000 in the world. Lionel Messi would be

Many of the sell-out crowd of 33,000 number one in my book, but who cares

Many of the sell-out crowd of 33,000 about that. Early pressure closing

Many of the sell-out crowd of 33,000 down from the Portuguese.

Things that went off own player. -- I think. 13th as captain for Davis

tonight. The 13th time these I think. 13th as captain for Davis

countries have meant. Who will get I think. 13th as captain for Davis

the rub of the green? Veloso, very much the

midfield. No way through for Meireles. Good

pressure from Portugal. Good energy from Northern Ireland

these opening stages. The flag stays down. They've got a corner.

Ronaldo looks at the referee. Norwood, snapping at his heels. That

Ronaldo looks at the referee. is not nice, Oliver Norwood. Ronaldo

give you his jersey after is not nice, Oliver Norwood. Ronaldo

in Porto. -- gave you. Ronaldo and company, 15 minutes gone, yet to

Not a bad header. And that Alves. He scored three in his World

Cup campaign so far. He has eight Alves. He scored three in his World

goals in his international career. And that is not a bad header.

Carroll is not happy. He was unlucky.

Northern Ireland have to concede a corner. There he is, Alves, on the

Northern Ireland have to concede a way up. As is Pepe.

It's in the coroner! Fabulous finish from Alves. His fourth in this World

It's in the coroner! Fabulous finish Cup campaign. His ninth

international goal. And they are happy. The travelling Portuguese

support. So are the players. 20 minutes gone, a breakthrough for

Portugal. They have to win. They know that. And that is a good start.

Portugal. They have to win. They How is that for a volley? First

Portugal. They have to win. They touch, he guided it. Carroll had no

chance. A jolt for Northern Ireland, touch, he guided it. Carroll had no

who were doing so well. The touch, he guided it. Carroll had no

celebrations belong to the men in red.

Northern Ireland, doing to get a goal back before the break.

Portugal get it away. A good cross. Davis, thinking he is not happy with

Vierinha. What is the referee doing? It looks as though Davis got

clattered. Not a bad ball from Oliver Norwood.

But Pepe was on the way. -- in the way. Sloppy from the Portuguese.

But Pepe was on the way. -- in the That was not a bad ball.

Did the keeper get a touch on it? It is a corner again to Northern

Ireland. Let CF Patrizio got a touch. Yes, needed. -- lets CF. A

Ireland. Let CF Patrizio got a sign of nerves from the Portuguese

McCauley! It is one-to-one. Ten minutes before the break. -- 1-1. He

McCauley! It is one-to-one. Ten was a giant in defence of Russia

last month. He was a giant when that was a giant in defence of Russia

corner came to him. Is he pleased, was a giant in defence of Russia

O'Neill? He certainly is! There was no keeping that out. And nobody

seems to follow him. Pure defensive no keeping that out. And nobody

work from Portugal. -- pure defensive. Northern Ireland are back

in business, back in this game. And now the whole crowd is

again. They may not be going to the And now the whole crowd is

finals in Brazil, but they will have And now the whole crowd is

a say in who gets there. Beating And now the whole crowd is

Russia and now they are level And now the whole crowd is

against the other contenders, Portugal. That goal, if the goal was

against the other contenders, a shock for Northern Ireland, that

goal would have been a jolt to the Portuguese.

I do not think he can about that. I wonder how he is

feeling. Alves. Again. That is Pepe

end Portugal tried to come forward.

Here is Ronaldo. He can be very dangerous here. Good save it from

Carroll. Postiga really hit that. In comes across, it is headed back.

Northern Ireland give it away again. That is easy enough for Roy Carroll.

Ronaldo may set off fog. Lovely control.

-- lays it off. Postiga could be big trouble. He is in big trouble,

he is off. He made a movement with big trouble. He is in big trouble,

his head. And there is a booking big trouble. He is in big trouble,

for Ronaldo as well for complaining. Things are hotting up at Windsor

Park. I do not know what Ronaldo has got to argue about. It was

clear. It was a silly action. That is silly. If you do that, the

gesture of ahead but, you are off That is silly. If you do that, the

and he is. -- a head butt. Let's That is silly. If you do that, the

see this again from another angle. He was not being malicious or

see this again from another angle. aggressive, it was just silly. The

manager has a lot of thinking to do now.

And that is the end of this first half. It has been eventful to say

the least. Gareth McAulay equalised. Alves put Portugal ahead on 20

the least. Gareth McAulay equalised. minutes, then just before the break,

Postiga, at the top goal scorer, minutes, then just before the break,

was sent off for an attempted head- butt. The referee saw it and sent

was sent off for an attempted head- him off. It is all happening, and

it is all still to play for. The banner says Ronaldo is know

best. I think most of us would The banner says Ronaldo is know

agree with that. Away we go on a night when the

is coming down at Windsor Park, the second half of this qualifier.

Portugal after tonight are to Luxembourg and Israel. They have

Portugal after tonight are just two left. Russia still have

three to play. It looks like the just two left. Russia still have

Russians, the might of Russia could just two left. Russia still have

talk this group. Portugal will have just two left. Russia still have

to be very careful to get a runners-up spot. -- Top the group.

Paterson has not had too many chances to shine this evening.

Alves. Portugal have given it away. There is a buzz about the

The fans and will this game is for the taking. -- the fans know. It

could be very interesting. Coentrao a bit upset. But he was

not touched. Maude it takes up a post and front

of the keeper. Paterson in there as well.

The keeper is off his line. Good thinking from the big defender. The

The keeper is off his line. Good idea was right. He just missed out.

A quick look up, have a goal. A market. -- unlucky.

A way for a corner. The idea was right from Jamie Ward. Lasley cut

inside. You can see what he was doing, curling yet inside the post.

McCall is up again, it is them. -- McAulay is up again, and it is in.

The stands are going crazy now. The McAulay is up again, and it is in.

seven minutes into the second half, McAulay is up again, and it is in.

dejection for Ronaldo and Patricio, he may want to see this again.

Ferguson's cross. Jamie Ward. The appealing for the handball, they

Ferguson's cross. Jamie Ward. The may well have a case. Let's see you.

Perhaps they are appealing offside. But it is from a corner,

Perhaps they are appealing so it cannot be offside.

That will be a free-kick. The Portuguese are less than happy with

that. Brunt cannot believe it. He is off.

We are down to 10 men apiece. That may have been at two-footed tackle.

We are down to 10 men apiece. That He is right to be in despair. Just

when everything was going Northern He is right to be in despair. Just

Ireland's way. But it has turned. That was not a good tackle.

He was over the ball and that was a silly tackle. It is all going off

here. That is a booking for Roy Carroll.

Veloso has hit that well. The keeper has saved it, but only just.

Let's see this from behind the goal. What can the big man bring you? Not

an easy ride for either keeper with What can the big man bring you? Not

all that rain coming down. Not a good ball. The referee

another corner. The lines man agrees. Moutinho will look for a

another corner. The lines man better corner this time. He gets it.

That he has got it. It is the great man himself, who else but when told

of. -- a Ronaldo. It brings them level.

Superb header. The keeper had no chance.

He has not done that game, but he has now. Big time.

Another good performance from young man. Here is the man who has

been training with Queens Park young man. Here is the man who has

Rangers, but not playing, so he young man. Here is the man who has

will be lacking match fitness. He young man. Here is the man who has

has only played six games in this young man. Here is the man who has

calendar year. 3-2. He is not a young man. Here is the man who has

superstar for nothing. Ronaldo has got two. Portugal lead. Super goal.

superstar for nothing. Ronaldo has As a ball came them, not a problem

superstar for nothing. Ronaldo has for Ronaldo.

Ronaldo slips, much to the enjoyment of the home fans,

Ronaldo slips, much to the will have the last laugh at.

Did he catch Pereira? That is a card. Why am sure warrants that. And

Did he catch Pereira? That is a I'm not sure how much Lafferty Cotes

Parreira. -- Colts. What a game of I'm not sure how much Lafferty Cotes

football this is. Northern Ireland I'm not sure how much Lafferty Cotes

are down to nine men. And I'm still I'm not sure how much Lafferty Cotes

not sure about that. I would like to I'm not sure how much Lafferty Cotes

see it in super slow mould. It was I'm not sure how much Lafferty Cotes

the side of his boot. That is harsh. So he and Chris Brunt are out of the

the side of his boot. That is harsh. game at Luxembourg on Tuesday night.

Nine minutes left at Windsor Park. Three to two to Portugal. -- 3-2.

Free kick is given, in a good position for Ronaldo. Norwood gets a

booking. Thankfully, he has not position for Ronaldo. Norwood gets a

already been booked. So he will be position for Ronaldo. Norwood gets a

going to Luxembourg. I wonder, will position for Ronaldo. Norwood gets a

it be this easy when Gareth Bale arrives at the Bernabeu?

He has got a hat-trick. international goal. His third goal

He has got a hat-trick. tonight. And that is no 42 to

Portugal. -- 4-2. Done and dusted. Carroll left with no chance. Ronaldo

Portugal. -- 4-2. Done and dusted. was all smiles. He has practised for

Portugal. -- 4-2. Done and dusted. years at Manchester United and Real

Madrid. And the more he practices, years at Manchester United and Real

the luckier he becomes. Tremendous finish. You cannot beat class and

the luckier he becomes. Tremendous that had class written all over it.

The hero of evening for the travelling Portuguese supporters.

The hero of evening for the 250 or so of them. They enjoyed his

The hero of evening for the hat-trick and why not? It has kept

The hero of evening for the them on course for the World Cup

finals. And to the Manchester United them on course for the World Cup

fans here, they remember his service them on course for the World Cup

with their club. One of the world's them on course for the World Cup

greatest players takes the applause them on course for the World Cup

inside Belfast. The leaves with a them on course for the World Cup

hat-trick. We are entering the last minute. -- he leaves with a

hat-trick. Lovely skill from Nani. I think it

was Oliveira that set it, but it was saved. -- that hit it. But what

was Oliveira that set it, but it was about this? Bewitched and the

wilted. Pulled it all the way back. Well done Roy Carroll. The referee

wilted. Pulled it all the way back. says it is all over. A remarkable

game. Joy for an Aldo. -- Ronaldo. He gets the match ball. He deserves

it. The only disappointment is for my colonial and Northern Ireland. We

it. The only disappointment is for hoped for so much after the win over

Russia. The final result in this hoped for so much after the win over

Group F qualifier at Windsor Park, Northern Ireland two, Portugal four.

I think we deserved to take something out of the game. I think

I think we deserved to take the last 20 minutes is a blur. Until

then, we had been excellent. They the last 20 minutes is a blur. Until

scored against the run of play and the last 20 minutes is a blur. Until

I've thought we started the game the last 20 minutes is a blur. Until

again and it was great energy and tempo. We scored before half-time.

It looked as though we were going to tempo. We scored before half-time.

get another one. I think when we tempo. We scored before half-time.

went in front, we deserved to be in tempo. We scored before half-time.

front. With the extra man, we were tempo. We scored before half-time.

in control of the game. But when Chris got sent off, it was an even

in control of the game. But when game and they got the equaliser.

in control of the game. But when With that second red card, it was a

reckless challenge, needless challenge. And we suffered because

reckless challenge, needless of that. If you make their

challenge, you give the referee the of that. If you make their

opportunity to send you off. 75 of that. If you make their

yards from goal, in a nothing area of that. If you make their

of the pitch. I was disappointed of that. If you make their

with that. I know it was very close of that. If you make their

after the game but how do you begin of that. If you make their

to assess it? Beasley, after going a of that. If you make their

goal behind, we worked hard to get back in front. The sending-off went

for us and I've felt we were in a back in front. The sending-off went

position of strength. Did not see back in front. The sending-off went

losing about point. back in front. The sending-off went

unfortunate that they back in front. The sending-off went

quality that shone through. They do back in front. The sending-off went

have quality. But you seemed to play back in front. The sending-off went

with no fear. I think so. The game plan worked. We made them play. I

think our tactics were plan worked. We made them play. I

did have a thing right and it was just unfortunate we could not see it

did have a thing right and it was through. Ronaldo, showing why he is

such a good player. He is the best through. Ronaldo, showing why he is

player in the world. Arguably one of through. Ronaldo, showing why he is

the greatest players of his through. Ronaldo, showing why he is

he did, without being a special player. The workrate was phenomenal

at times. Phenomenal. Again, the player. The workrate was phenomenal

lads at full-back, with not a lot of experience, and the centre backs. To

lads at full-back, with not a lot of a man, I'm disappointed with the

players because -- for the players a man, I'm disappointed with the

because they deserved more. You must be hoping, with the quick turnaround

because they deserved more. You must to Luxembourg, that you will see

because they deserved more. You must this quality again. We're going to

because they deserved more. You must have to regroup. We have two

suspensions. We had to take Shane have to regroup. We have two

Ferguson off because of injury. We have to regroup. We have two

have to see if we can turn him have to regroup. We have two

around in time. We are at the bare have to regroup. We have two

bones of the moment but we will go have to regroup. We have two

There was one other match played tonight,

There was one other match played There was one other Russia defeating

Luxembourg 4-1. That leaves the There was one other Russia defeating

group table looking like this. Portugal top on 17 points, Russia in

group table looking like this. second. And third placed in the

drill play Azerbaijan tomorrow. -- second. And third placed in the

third placed Israel. On Tuesday, Russia meet Israel. This game had it

all. Six goals, three sendings off. Russia meet Israel. This game had it

A hat-trick for an Aldo. And Keith Gillespie, surely Northern Ireland

A hat-trick for an Aldo. And Keith will be kicking themselves. They

will be. For long periods of the game, especially when Portugal were

down to ten men, they looked in game, especially when Portugal were

control. Especially with the early goal in the second half, it looked

control. Especially with the early like it was going to be one of those

control. Especially with the early famous results at Winter Park.

Unfortunately, the sending of -- famous results at Winter Park.

sending-off of Chris Brunt changed famous results at Winter Park.

the game. Portugal came into the famous results at Winter Park.

ascendancy and it was difficult for famous results at Winter Park.

Northern Ireland but think they can be proud of their performance. Even

Northern Ireland but think they can though Northern Ireland went one

Northern Ireland but think they can down, it was a superb first half

performance. You could see the faces. -- and Windsor Park. Coming

into the break with that advantage, faces. -- and Windsor Park. Coming

we thought it could be one of these faces. -- and Windsor Park. Coming

nights. But unfortunately, Ronaldo faces. -- and Windsor Park. Coming

was pretty anonymous for 60 minutes and then pops up with a hat-trick. A

soft goal is -- to concede. Adding and then pops up with a hat-trick. A

they will be disappointed with the and then pops up with a hat-trick. A

goal, the first goal from Alves. I think the lad who was supposed to be

in the front should have been act on think the lad who was supposed to be

the near post, where he could have think the lad who was supposed to be

cleared that. But unfortunately, think the lad who was supposed to be

did not get there and it was a great think the lad who was supposed to be

finish. Northern Ireland battled think the lad who was supposed to be

back. The corners and free kicks think the lad who was supposed to be

were put in on top of their think the lad who was supposed to be

McCully popped up with a great hit. think the lad who was supposed to be

And then it was game on. -- Gareth McAuley. And then the sending-off.

And then it was game on. -- Gareth Gareth did nothing wrong. It was

stupid from Postiga. Maybe not a lot of contact but as soon as you make a

stupid from Postiga. Maybe not a lot movement, the referee has no

option. It felt like one of those movement, the referee has no

nights when Northern Ireland deservedly went 2-1 in the second

half. It was scrappy. But you take any goal. We were 2-1 up. And we

were in control and a man up. Chris any goal. We were 2-1 up. And we

Brunt, unfortunately he was already any goal. We were 2-1 up. And we

on a yellow card. If you any goal. We were 2-1 up. And we

to dive into a tackle like that, you any goal. We were 2-1 up. And we

have to be sure you get the ball. any goal. We were 2-1 up. And we

Unfortunately, the referee had no option. Deserved? I think it was.

Unfortunately, the referee had no Two yellow cards. You have to make

Unfortunately, the referee had no sure that you are playing safe.

Unfortunately, the referee had no sure that you are playing safe.

option. I'd give Portugal a little sure that you are playing safe.

bit of -- that gives Portugal on sure that you are playing safe.

little bit of life. They started creating chances. -- a little bit.

The knights did not start well for creating chances. -- a little bit.

the Real Madrid superstar. But his creating chances. -- a little bit.

class shone through. He walked off creating chances. -- a little bit.

to night clutching the match ball. creating chances. -- a little bit.

At times, he was disinterested. His body language was not right. He was

getting frustrated and he got a body language was not right. He was

yellow card as well at the end of the first half. You thought, is this

yellow card as well at the end of one of these nights where he might

take an early bath? Unfortunately, not. That is why he's one of the

take an early bath? Unfortunately, best players the world. Their

take an early bath? Unfortunately, against the seventh best team in the

take an early bath? Unfortunately, world. We give them a battle. We had

take an early bath? Unfortunately, them on the ropes at one stage. Kyle

take an early bath? Unfortunately, Lafferty, did he deserve to be sent

take an early bath? Unfortunately, off? It is difficult to tell with

take an early bath? Unfortunately, the TV. It is hard to tell whether

take an early bath? Unfortunately, there was that much contact. It was

take an early bath? Unfortunately, Unfortunately, he has that in him,

take an early bath? Unfortunately, times. The referee has no option but

take an early bath? Unfortunately, to introduce the red card. At the

take an early bath? Unfortunately, end, it is very difficult with nine

buried. It was difficult for the boys. -- 4-3. But it is credit to

buried. It was difficult for the the Northern Ireland

Disappointment for the Republic Ireland, Robbie Keane giving them a

1-0 lead. But eventually they lost 2-1. That is as about it from

Windsor Park on a night where 2-1. That is as about it from

Northern Ireland and Portugal rattled, but in the end, Ronaldo

ruled. From all others here, bye-bye. -- all of us.