Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a significant suspension after receiving his first-ever red card for Portugal during their stunning 2-0 defeat to Ireland in Dublin. The incident, which occurred just past the hour mark, saw the star forward dismissed after a VAR review upgraded an initial yellow card to a straight red for violent conduct, following contact with Ireland defender Dara O’Shea.

Under FIFA's strict regulations for serious offenses, players found guilty of violent conduct face a minimum ban of “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time.” This could potentially rule Ronaldo out of crucial upcoming fixtures, including Sunday’s qualifier against Armenia and potentially two additional matches. Such a scenario might even see him miss the opening games of the World Cup, widely anticipated to be his final appearance on the global stage. If Portugal were to drop into the play-offs, his suspension would instead apply during those decisive knockout ties. The ultimate decision regarding the length and application of the ban will rest with FIFA’s disciplinary committee, which will conduct a full review of the incident.

The sending-off overshadowed a disappointing night for Portugal, who were comprehensively outplayed by a rejuvenated Ireland side. The hosts, who last reached a World Cup in 2002 and haven't qualified for a major tournament in a decade, were highly motivated to keep their qualification hopes alive. They took a deserved lead in the 17th minute when Liam Scales headed a fizzed-in corner across goal, allowing Troy Parrott to tap in unmarked. Ireland continued their dominance, with Chiedozie Ogbene striking the post before Parrott scored his second goal with a brilliant finish from a similar distance just before halftime, capping off what he described as “probably the best night” of his life.

Ireland's victory was their best performance in years and ensured their narrow path to next year’s World Cup remains open, though they still require a win in Budapest against Hungary to secure a spot in March’s playoffs. Meanwhile, Portugal, despite the loss, are likely to secure automatic qualification with just a draw at home to bottom-placed Armenia, as they remain two points clear of Hungary at the top of Group F with a superior goal difference, and are assured at least a playoff spot. However, they will have to achieve this crucial result without their captain, Ronaldo.

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson praised the home supporters, suggesting their vocal backing may have contributed to Ronaldo's frustration. “[Ronaldo] lost his focus a little bit. Maybe it was the fans as well that helped a little bit. He was frustrated and reacted in a way that he knows he shouldn’t,” Hallgrimsson commented, while Parrott expressed his overwhelming joy at the hard work paying off in such a significant match.