While a draw for the Republic of Ireland against Portugal tonight would be a positive result, Stephen Kelly believes only a win will realistically keep World Cup hopes alive.
In the final week of qualification, Heimir Hallgrimsson's side host Ronaldo and co tonight (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7pm), before concluding matters in Budapest on Sunday.
While Portugal will look to wrap up the group in Dublin, the race continues for the runners-up spot, with Hungary in pole position going into the final two games.
One point clear of the Boys in Green, they travel to Yerevan (kick-off 5pm) before hosting Ireland on Sunday.
With Hungary expected to pick up three points against Armenia, it would would mean that even if Ireland draw against Portugal, a side ranked fifth in the world, we would require an away win in Budapest. Should Hungary hit the goal trail in Yerevan, then the consequence is that we would need to win convincingly on Sunday.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, Kelly expects Hungary to get the job done in the early kick-off and feels that only three points will therefore suffice at Lansdowne Road.
"If we come away with a draw, it’s a moral victory, a result against a big nation that we haven’t been able to secure in a long time, but it’s not going to be enough," he said.
"I think we have to get a win at home if we want to have any chance of qualification."
Portugal captain and talisman Ronaldo said yesterday that he expects Ireland to adopt a conservative gameplan, similar to the narrow defeat in Lisbon.
Kelly, who won 39 caps for his country, expects Ireland to once again make it difficult for their more illustrious opponents, even if they will have to come out of their shell and threaten.
"We can’t go toe-to-toe against a team like Portugal. I would expect us to play a five again (in defence) and try and catch them on the counter-attack. It’s going to be very difficult.
"Portugal are not coming here knowing they have everything wrapped up. It’s important that we have our stall set out, but we have to have an attacking threat. And we haven’t had that for a while."
The two previous home games have seen Ireland outplayed for large periods, with a late Adam Idah goal salvaging a draw against Hungary and 10-man Armenia eventually overcome, despite some jittery moments.
The home supporters have watched their side toil and the dip in atmosphere has been noticeable.
Kelly is hopeful a sold-out stadium can impact proceedings in a positive way.
"When Armenia came to town, I have never seen anything like the first half. It was a packed house and it was silence as they were dominating possession and we struggled to lay a glove on them," he said.
"With Portugal, there will be more leeway with the fans. They will still be up for it even if we concede a goal, just because people have expectations that Portugal are a better side than us.
"The crowd is going to be huge and fingers crossed they get behind the team."
Watch Republic of Ireland v Portugal in World Cup qualifying on Thursday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
