World Cup Qualifiers – Cristiano Ronaldo receives red card, Portugal loses 0-2 to Ireland
2025-11-14 02:52
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Group F of the European zone saw a new round of competition. Portugal, playing away, fell behind by two goals and suffered a 0-2 defeat to Ireland after Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card.
Three minutes into the match, Portugal launched an attack. Cristiano Ronaldo received the ball and shot from the penalty area, but the ball was saved by Irish goalkeeper Kelleher. In the 7th minute, Portugal won a free kick. Ronaldo took the free kick and opted for a direct shot, but the ball hit the wall.
In the 12th minute, Cancelo passed the ball back from the penalty area, but Ronaldo's shot went high. In the 18th minute, Ireland won a corner kick. Liam Skiles headed the ball across, and Troy Parrott headed it into the net, giving Ireland a 1-0 lead.
In the 27th minute, Portugal attempted a counter-attack. Cristiano Ronaldo received a lobbed pass in the penalty area and volleyed the ball, but it was intercepted by Irish goalkeeper Kelleher. In the 32nd minute, João Neves received the ball and unleashed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide of the post.
In the 39th minute, Ireland created an attacking opportunity. Kidozi O'Been received the ball and entered the penalty area, but his shot hit the post. In the 45th minute, Dara O'Shea played a long pass, and Troy Parrott received the ball, entered the penalty area, and beat the defense to score with a low shot, extending Ireland's lead to 2-0.
In the 48th minute of the second half, Portugal took a corner kick, and Vitinha's volley went wide. In the 55th minute, Ronaldo received a through pass from his teammate and took a long-range shot, but the ball deflected off a teammate and went wide.
In the 61st minute, Cristiano Ronaldo pushed an opposing player while attempting to receive the ball. After VAR intervention, the referee ruled that Ronaldo had previously made an elbowing motion, resulting in Ronaldo being shown a red card and sent off. Portugal was forced to continue with 10 players. In the 78th minute, Portugal substituted Gonzalo Ramos for João Neves.
In the 88th minute, Portugal launched an attack. Gonzalo Ramos received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and took a long-range shot, which Ireland's goalkeeper Kelleher immediately dived to save.
Ultimately, Portugal lost 0-2 to Ireland away from home. Portugal currently sits atop Group F with 10 points, just two points ahead of second-placed Hungary, meaning Roberto Martinez's team is unlikely to advance early.
