Ireland Stuns Portugal: Parrott’s Brace Seals 2-0 Win as Ronaldo Heads for Red
13 November 2025
Ireland Stun Portugal with 2-0 Win in World Cup Qualifiers
Portugal fell 2-0 away to Ireland on Thursday in the European qualifying games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, missing a chance to seal qualification.
Troy Parrott struck twice for Ireland—in the 17th and 45th minutes—to help his side reach seven points in the group, while Portugal sat on ten points at the top.
In a rare moment of drama, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off after a VAR review, earning the first red card of his international career.
Portugal arrived without Bruno Fernandes (suspended) and Nuno Mendes (injury), prompting coach Roberto Martinez to field a lineup including Diogo Costa, Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Inacio, Dalot, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo and Felix.
The hosts started with Kelleher in goal and a defensive line that included OBrien, Collins and other teammates, while Parrott led Ireland's attack for the afternoon.
Early on, Ronaldo searched for a breakthrough with a backheel inside the box, but Kelleher was alert to the danger.
A free kick near the Ireland area was struck by Ronaldo but blocked by the defensive wall.
Portugal pressed on, with Felix and Bernardo Silva causing trouble, but Ireland’s defense held firm and countered when possible.
Mid first half, a corner from Ireland found Parrott, who headed into the net to make it 1-0.
Portugal pushed for an equalizer, with Costa forced into a couple of saves as the interval approached, but Ireland doubled the lead just before halftime when Parrott struck again from a cross, making it 2-0 at the break.
Second half saw Portugal chasing the game with 10 men after Ronaldo's red card, dismissed on 62 minutes following a VAR check for a foul on a defender.
Martinez tried to shake things up by bringing on Renato Veiga and Nelson Semedo for Inacio and Cancelo, but the hosts’ compact defending kept Portugal at bay.
Ronaldo and his teammates continued to press, but Ireland withstood the pressure as the game wore on.
As the final whistle approached, Ireland held firm and earned a deserved 2-0 victory, boosting their challenge in Group 6 as Portugal faced an uphill battle to preserve their lead.
Punchline 1: Ronaldo’s red card proves even legends aren’t immune to the video referee’s glow up.
Punchline 2: Ireland parked the bus so well that even the Irish Sea had to wave a white flag.
