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Parrott Brace Sinks Portugal in 2-0 Upset After VAR Red for Ronaldo

The upset keeps Ireland within a point of second place, leaving a must-win trip to Hungary on Sunday.

Overview

  • Troy Parrott scored twice before half-time at the Aviva Stadium to give Ireland a decisive lead over the group leaders.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo was initially booked for elbowing Dara O'Shea before VAR official Pol van Boekel prompted a review that led to a straight red card.
  • After his dismissal, Ronaldo confronted Heimir Hallgrimsson, who said the forward "complimented me for putting pressure on the referee" and suggested he may have got into Ronaldo's head.
  • Portugal manager Roberto Martinez defended his captain as harshly treated, arguing the incident looked worse than it was after prolonged grappling in the box.
  • Ireland sit one point behind Hungary in Group F and must win in Budapest to stay alive, while Hallgrimsson noted Evan Ferguson has returned to training and will be assessed before the match.