Overview
- Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 in Dublin as Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half to reshape Group F.
- Referee Glenn Nyberg upgraded Ronaldo’s initial yellow to a straight red for elbowing Dara O’Shea after a VAR review by Pol van Boekel.
- Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said Ronaldo told him he had ‘complimented’ him for pressuring the referee during a touchline exchange.
- Portugal manager Roberto Martínez defended his captain, calling the dismissal harsh and saying the action looked worse on camera than it was.
- Portuguese reports say the federation will appeal to reduce what is typically a three‑match ban, with local outlets also reporting Ronaldo has been released from the squad as Portugal host Armenia to clinch automatic qualification and Ireland visit Hungary needing a win to keep play‑off hopes alive.