Barren in attack, febrile in defense, Portugal was shocked by a much more realistic Ireland (2-0), thereby postponing the possibility of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup to the decider against Armenia on Sunday. A symbol of the Seleção’s chaos, its captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in the 60th minute for his elbow in the back of Dara O’Shea.
The Al-Nassr striker initially hoped to get a yellow card, but it turned red after using VAR. Therefore, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has never before been sent off in his country’s colors, will be suspended for at least one match, and will therefore miss the final qualifying match scheduled for Sunday.
Portugal still remains at the top of Group F with 10 points and is two points ahead of Hungary, who beat Armenia in Yerevan (1-0) in the day’s other match. Ireland is third with seven points.
A win against Hungary last month, or Thursday against Ireland, would ensure Portugal progress. But the difficulties seen in October were compounded in Dublin by the absence of full-back Nuno Mendes, a key player for Seleção but injured with Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes, suspended.
Portugal, who were crowned European champions in 2016, have played in all major international tournaments, World Cups and Europeans combined, since Euro 2000.
