Job done: Portugal secure point in Ireland but will need a much improved performance against Serbia to qualify for the World Cup

Portugal picked up an important point against Republic of Ireland, ensuring a draw at home against Serbia is all that is required to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

In a match that ended goalless, there was little to discuss as both sides produced disappointing performances, resulting in an uneventful and underwhelming match in Dublin.

Portugal in particular were extremely poor, failing to fashion much in the way of a clear-cut chance despite all the talent in their ranks. Ireland, though not much better on the night, will be extremely happy with the point considering the gulf in class - at least in paper - between the two sides, and even found the back of the net late on, but only after Rui Patricio was fouled.

Nevertheless, there was no actual tangible benefit to Portugal in winning this match; avoiding defeat was the only important issue at hand, as picking up at least a point in Ireland always guaranteed that Portugal would only need a draw against Serbia on the final day to qualify for the World Cup next summer.

Such a fact was not missed by Fernando Santos, who said after the game that “in terms of qualifying, winning 5-0 or drawing was the same thing. I would have preferred to win 5-0, but the result is positive.”

The draw was made even more tolerable by the fact that Portugal had to close out the match with 10 men having seen veteran defender Pepe - who became the oldest player to ever play for Portugal after starting the match - sent off for a flailing arm.

Portugal also rested a number of key players, including Ruben Dias, João Cancelo, Renato Sanches (who came on deep into the second half) and Diogo Jota, with all of the quartet one yellow card away from suspension and thus being ruled out for the crucial match against Serbia.

That clash with Serbia will take place this Sunday and will determine who qualifies directly for the World Cup in Qatar.