Sheffield United ace Chiedozie Ogbene plays key role in historic win to keep World Cup dream alive
Sheffield United ace Chiedozie Ogbene started the Republic of Ireland’s impressive 2-0 win over Portugal on Thursday evening.
Sheffield United loanee Chiedozie Ogbene played an important role in helping the Republic of Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 and keep their dream of qualifying for next year’s World Cup alive at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday night.
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side sealed a vital three points via a first half brace from striker Troy Parrott, meaning Portugal, who had Cristiano Ronaldo sent-off in the second half, missed out on the chance to secure their spot at next summer’s tournament with a game to spare.
Victory for the Republic of Ireland has elevated them to seven points in Group F, leaving them third in the table, one point behind second-placed Hungary, who they face in their final qualifier in Budapest on Sunday afternoon.
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With Portugal, who are top of the group on ten points, expected to beat bottom-of-the-table Armenia in their final game and wrap up top spot, Hungary and the Republic of Ireland are set to go toe-to-toe in pursuit of second spot that will seal them a place in March’s play-offs.
The Republic of Ireland must win in Budapest to clinch second, whereas a draw will get the job done for Hungary, who beat Armenia away from home on Thursday night.
It means the weekend’s trip to the Puskás Aréna will be of great importance to Blades loanee Ogbene, who arrived at Bramall Lane from Ipswich Town at the beginning of September.
Ogbene played a key role in a historic win
The former Rotherham United man played an important role in the victory over Portugal and was desperately unlucky not to score in the first half, striking the post. He never stopped running, both in and out of possession, attempting to disrupt Portugal’s flow and make life as uncomfortable as possible for them.
His pace on the counter-attack was a key part of head coach Hallgrímsson’s tactical blueprint, meaning Ogbene, who has made ten appearances for the Blades this season, played an important role in helping the Republic of Ireland secure a famous victory in their quest to reach a first World Cup since 2002.
Storing 86 minutes under his belt, Ogbene, in addition to hitting the post, had 28 touches of the ball, completed 79 per cent of his passes, produced two key passes, made one interception and won two fouls, meaning it was a very productive night’s work for him.