It was a familiar failing. I'd left it too late. Again. By the time I considered heading into the Aviva for Ireland v Portugal, tickets were long gone, and my kids – merciless in their disappointment - have let me know all about it all week.
Guilt-ridden and armed with the kind of panic-induced generosity that only a desperate parent can muster, I ordered them a pizza and promised we'd enjoy watching it together. But in truth, I expected us to get hammered, the kids' pre-match predictions suggested we were on the same page.
The plan was to jot down a few thoughts throughout the match for what I assumed would be a boring dissection of our performance.
But that all changed by the 17th minute when Troy Parrott wrote the first line of a different story.
17’ – Parrott goal. Can we???
The kids have gone mental. We’ve been behind on the possession stats as expected and suddenly Troy was wheeling away with the look of a lad who knew this was his night after scoring from a well-worked setpiece. One-nil. To us. Not a typo.
From then on, the match took on a surreal quality. Portugal had the ball, lots of it, but they had no ideas. We were compact, direct, aggressive and we looked like a team with a plan.
31’ – Parrott chases back and intercepts Joao Cancelo – he’s the best player in the world
I’ve watched Parrott frustrate and flirt with potential for years. I’ve played against him and was never quite sure what his best position is. An out-and out-nine or a deeper 10?
But this version? This was different. This was maturity. This was a player chasing back 30 yards to win a ball he had no right to. At one point, I declared to the kids that he’s the best in the world. Emotionally unstable? Yes. But I stand by it.
37’ – Ogbene hits the post.
Chiedozie Ogbene was a constant outlet – a menace in transition. As he broke down the left channel with his pace, cut inside and cracked the post I couldn’t quite believe how much of a threat we are on the counter attack.
Emotions are high now; the feeling has hit that we might look back on this chance as a missed opportunity.
45’ – Parrott again. It’s 2–0.
Yeeessssssssss!
The kids are now swinging their tops over their heads. Euphoria in the house. Ciara has come downstairs after getting the youngest to sleep – she can’t believe her eyes.
The second goal was an excellent finish, the timing of his run and the composure with the execution to match it. I shouted something my kids have since reminded me I can’t print here.
But in that moment, with the half-time whistle approaching, I honestly believed we were going to win the World Cup. Apologies, I believed we are going to the World Cup.
Relax yourself, Eoin.
46’ – Portugal corner
For not the first time, Portugal win the second ball from a decent delivery and fluff their chance. Feels like a warning sign. Please don’t concede like this.
59’ – Portugal pressure and Ronaldo tantrums
Cristiano Ronaldo – football’s ultimate drama magnet – looked increasingly irked.
At first the yellow, then a red after a VAR check. Elbow thrown. What was he thinking? This is a 40-year-old man.
He left the pitch mouthing off at our bench, at Heimer.
We’ve all wanted to give Heimer Hallgrimsson a bit over the past couple of months but not tonight. He’s our leader tonight.
We were a man up and two goals clear. Somehow, this was real.
63’ – Parrott slips in Ogbene. He’s just taking the mick now.
Ogbene has a half chance from the edge of the box that leads to a corner. He’s been excellent again in an Ireland shirt.
The pass from Troy was weighted perfectly. Everything he does is perfect.
It was his final act before being subbed – a decision I was unsure about.
I’m glad Ronaldo got to share the pitch with such greatness.
The ref waves it on – the eldest lets the ref knows how he feels – I let it slide because Ciara has gone into the kitchen
70’ – Portugal threat
They get in behind us – but don’t capitalise. Come on Ireland.
75’ – Azaz provokes outrage
We break well, Azaz has a chance from the edge of the box that leads to a corner. Kids are on their feet "HANDBALL". The ref waves it on – the eldest lets the ref knows how he feels – I let it slide because Ciara has gone into the kitchen.
85’ – Ogbene leaves the field
He’s just been subbed off, he’s had Dalot and Rafael Leao in his pocket. What a player.
87’ – Kelleher proves his worth
Our most consistent performer of this campaign with a good save. Heart is in my mouth.
90’ – Added time
"Where did he get 7 minutes from?" the middle fella shouts. I had to remind him of the VAR check.
90’+ Absolute madness
I can’t really remember much of it, only thinking "I wish it was over", but on the 95th minute, when Seamus Coleman thundered into Rafael Leao, I genuinely believed Killybegs should be renamed Seamustown.
And that this player, out of all the players, deserves to play in a World Cup.
Ireland 2 – 0 Portugal
The column I thought I’d write – never materialised.
We out-thought and out-fought them. Troy Parrott will rightly take the headlines. His finishing was ruthless, and his all-round performance was perfection.
But to a man, everyone was excellent, Heimer included.
Bring on Budapest.
Watch Hungary v Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualifying on Sunday from 1.30pm 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
