Key Takeaways:
- Ireland secured a 2-0 victory over Portugal in Dublin, with Troy Parrott netting both goals by half-time
- Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in the 61st minute after a VAR review, marking his first red card for Portugal in 226 international appearances
- Portugal remain top of Group “F” on 10 points, but qualification for the 2026 World Cup will be determined in the final round after Hungary’s 1-0 win over Armenia earlier today
Match Analysis: Parrott Shines as Ireland Upset Group Leaders
Portugal missed the opportunity to book their place in the 2026 World Cup finals, falling 0-2 to Ireland at Aviva Stadium. The hosts, guided by manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, initiated four alterations to their starting eleven, introducing Liam Scales, Jack Taylor, Finn Azaz, and Troy Parrott in place of Ryan Manning, Jayson Molumby, Festy Ebosele, and Evan Ferguson. Ireland deployed a trio of central defenders – Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, and Jake O’Brien – while Parrott partnered Chiedozie Ogbene in attack.
Cristiano Ronaldo received his first career red card with Portugal in 226 caps against Ireland 😳 pic.twitter.com/P82OSUDzzQ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 13, 2025
The Portuguese made three changes, as manager Roberto Martínez replaced Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, and Nuno Mendes with João Neves, João Félix, and João Cancelo. The midfield featured João Neves alongside his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Vitinha and Rúben Neves. Up front, Félix started with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva. The manager opted not to involve João Palhinha, Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição, Matheus Nunes, Nélson Semedo, and Trincão from the bench at the outset.
Key Moments and Tactical Breakdown
Portugal began strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances. Caoimhín Kelleher was called into action to deny Ronaldo, with the visitors intent on an early breakthrough. Ronaldo’s attempt from a direct free-kick was blocked by the wall, and a later effort from the captain missed the target.
Ireland’s strategy of targeting the counter-attack paid dividends. Troy Parrott twice surged down the right, aiming to connect with Ogbene, but the final ball eluded the Sheffield United striker. Diogo Costa survived a lapse in the 17th minute before Parrott pounced on a resulting corner, converting a precise Liam Scales header to give Ireland the lead.
Despite a period of sustained Portuguese pressure, the Irish defence remained resolute, buoyed by robust support from the crowd. João Neves and João Félix threatened but failed to find the net, while Ronaldo’s header from a promising position sailed wide. Ogbene struck the post as Ireland came close to doubling their advantage.
Kelleher produced a crucial save from Vitinha, and though Portugal poured forward, Ireland’s defending stood firm. In stoppage time before the break, Parrott caught Diogo Costa at the near post with a precise finish, sending the home fans into raptures and handing Ireland a 2-0 lead at half time.
Ronaldo Sees Red as Portugal Falter
After the interval, Roberto Martínez introduced Renato Veiga and Nélson Semedo for Gonçalo Inácio and João Cancelo. Another opportunity fell to Vitinha from a corner but he failed to capitalise. The match’s pivotal moment arrived in the 59th minute when Ronaldo fouled Dara O’Shea from behind. Initially cautioned with a yellow card, Ronaldo saw the decision upgraded to red following a VAR review. This marked his first-ever sending off for Portugal after 226 appearances.
Martínez responded by bringing on Trincão and Rafael Leão for Bernardo Silva and João Félix. Reduced to ten men, Portugal struggled to break down Ireland’s compact shape. The visitors’ attacking threat diminished and Ireland grew increasingly comfortable in possession.
Gonçalo Ramos was introduced, but the Navigators’ momentum withered, hindered by exhaustion and numerical disadvantage. Late opportunities for Rúben Neves and Gonçalo Ramos went unconverted.
Group F Standings and Implications
Despite the defeat, Portugal retain their position at the summit of Group “F” with 10 points. Hungary’s earlier 1-0 victory over Armenia in Yerevan pulls them within two points of the leaders, holding 8 points. Portugal’s final group fixture will see them welcome Armenia on Sunday, knowing a victory will secure World Cup qualification. The objective could also be achieved with a draw, provided Hungary do not overcome Ireland by a margin greater than three goals.
Ireland’s victory keeps their World Cup hopes alive, with the possibility of clinching a playoff berth if they defeat Hungary in Budapest.
| Team | Played | Points | Last Result | Next Fixture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | – | 10 | Lost 0-2 vs Ireland | vs Armenia (Home) |
| Hungary | – | 8 | Won 1-0 vs Armenia | vs Ireland (Home) |
| Ireland | – | – | Won 2-0 vs Portugal | at Hungary (Away) |
| Armenia | – | – | Lost 0-1 vs Hungary | at Portugal (Away) |
Looking Ahead
With everything still to play for, the final round of group matches will decide which teams progress directly and which must pursue a playoff route. All eyes will be on Portugal’s home clash against Armenia and the high-stakes trip for Ireland to face Hungary.
