Portugal squandered an opportunity to clinch a World Cup berth after falling 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland at Aviva Stadium, a match that ended with Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-ever sending off for his country. The veteran striker received an initial caution for striking Dara O’Shea with his elbow, but that judgement changed once referee Glenn Nyberg reviewed the clash on the recommendation of the video assistant team.
The upgraded decision concluded a bleak evening for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose long run of international appearances had never previously included a red card.
The defeat prevented Roberto Martinez’s squad from sealing early passage to next year’s global tournament.
Parrott’s influence and growing tension
Troy Parrott delivered both first-half finishes that lifted the hosts and kept their qualification hopes alive. His efforts created a margin Portugal never reduced, even though a win would have ensured Portugal’s progress with one fixture remaining.
Ronaldo had told reporters the day before that he hoped to behave in a way that would soften the response of the local supporters, yet the forward received loud jeers after he struck O’Shea and wiped imaginary tears from his face soon afterward.
Once dismissed, he approached Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, exchanged remarks, offered a sarcastic applause toward onlookers, shook the coach’s hand and departed down the tunnel. The meeting followed a tense buildup in which Ronaldo accused Hallgrimsson of psychological ploys related to officiating.
Portugal’s struggles and upcoming chance
The contest had already been testing for the 40-year-old, who previously saw two penalties stopped by the same opponents. On this occasion he fired one attempt over the target and struck a free-kick into a defensive wall, growing visibly irritated before the pivotal moment that altered the match.
Portugal also missed other openings without the suspended Bruno Fernandes”}. Joao Felix headed over in the first period, while Vitinha sent a loose effort wide shortly after the interval. The loss marked Portugal’s first stumble since a narrow Nations League reverse to Denmark in March.
Despite this blow, the team can still secure a seventh consecutive World Cup appearance by defeating Armenia on Sunday, a side they beat by five goals earlier in the qualifying campaign.
