Ireland Stun Portugal to Keep World Cup Hopes Alive with Ronaldo's Red Card
In a stunning upset, Ireland defeated Portugal 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday night, sending shockwaves through the football world. The win keeps Ireland's narrow path to next year's World Cup open and makes the Nations League winners wait for an automatic spot.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off just before halftime after lashing out with his elbow at Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, marking his first-ever red card in 226 appearances. The initial yellow card was upgraded after review, leaving Portugal to play the remainder of the game with one less player.
Ireland's Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half, including a brilliant finish from a similar distance as a fine effort from Chiedozie Ogbene that struck the post earlier on. The Irish defense held strong once Ronaldo received his red card, and they earned a historic victory.
The win keeps Ireland one point behind second-placed Hungary at the top of Group F with a superior goal difference. Portugal are assured of a playoff spot and are two points clear of their rivals.
"I can only praise the supporters," Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said after the game. "They have amazing fans as always, and they gave us energy and help us at crucial times. They deserve this win." Hallgrimsson also suggested that Ronaldo's frustration may have contributed to his red card.
The result means that Ireland still need a win in Budapest on Sunday to claim a spot in next March's playoffs. A draw against Armenia is likely the most Portugal need to secure automatic qualification.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe scored two goals for France in their 4-0 home win against Ukraine, sending them to the 2026 World Cup with ease. Italy also got a boost after a 2-0 win away against Moldova, while England eased to a 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley Stadium.
In a stunning upset, Ireland defeated Portugal 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday night, sending shockwaves through the football world. The win keeps Ireland's narrow path to next year's World Cup open and makes the Nations League winners wait for an automatic spot.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off just before halftime after lashing out with his elbow at Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, marking his first-ever red card in 226 appearances. The initial yellow card was upgraded after review, leaving Portugal to play the remainder of the game with one less player.
Ireland's Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half, including a brilliant finish from a similar distance as a fine effort from Chiedozie Ogbene that struck the post earlier on. The Irish defense held strong once Ronaldo received his red card, and they earned a historic victory.
The win keeps Ireland one point behind second-placed Hungary at the top of Group F with a superior goal difference. Portugal are assured of a playoff spot and are two points clear of their rivals.
"I can only praise the supporters," Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said after the game. "They have amazing fans as always, and they gave us energy and help us at crucial times. They deserve this win." Hallgrimsson also suggested that Ronaldo's frustration may have contributed to his red card.
The result means that Ireland still need a win in Budapest on Sunday to claim a spot in next March's playoffs. A draw against Armenia is likely the most Portugal need to secure automatic qualification.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe scored two goals for France in their 4-0 home win against Ukraine, sending them to the 2026 World Cup with ease. Italy also got a boost after a 2-0 win away against Moldova, while England eased to a 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley Stadium.
I'm literally speechless! Ireland totally deserved that win and Parrotts strikes were insane! 
I feel bad for Ronaldo tho, one red card is crazy for anyone let alone the GOAT lol 
Portugal's gonna regret that guy's attitude 
. Hallgrimsson's got to be one proud coach right now 
his team played so well with 10 men and they still managed to keep it clean. Ireland's squad is on fire 
this win has set them up nicely for the playoffs, fingers crossed they can make it happen 
Ireland just pulled off the most epic upset of the year! I mean, Cristiano Ronaldo gets sent off and they still manage to beat Portugal like that? 
I've got so much respect for Ireland's team now, they're like the underdogs nobody saw coming.
scoring those two goals was pure magic. The Irish defense was solid as ever too, holding strong even with Portugal having one fewer player on the field.
they're going to need a win in Budapest next week but if they do it, watch out for them. And I love how the coach is giving credit to the fans, it's amazing what a passionate crowd can do for their team 
cant believe ronaldo got sent off tho 
! Portugal totally lost their cool with Ronaldo's red card, and Ireland pounced on the opportunity 
, fingers crossed they can pull it off! 
i mean, ronaldo getting sent off and all, it was like the whole team just clicked and took it to portugal. 