Ireland delivered a shocking 2-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday, keeping their slim World Cup hopes alive while forcing the Nations League champions to delay their automatic qualification, in a match where captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off.
Ireland, aiming for their first major tournament in a decade and their first World Cup since 2002, needed at least a draw to stay in the race. Troy Parrott’s first-half double crowned their most impressive performance in years.
“This is probably the best night of my life,” said Parrott, the man of the match, in a pitchside interview. “It’s such a relief and overwhelming to see our hard work pay off… We all knew the game’s importance for us.”
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Ronaldo’s First Red Card
Ireland still need a win in Budapest on Sunday to secure a place in next March’s playoffs, after Hungary, in second place, won 1-0 in Armenia. A home draw against bottom-placed Armenia is likely all Portugal needs for automatic qualification.
However, they must do so without Ronaldo, whose initial yellow card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea was upgraded on review to his first-ever red card for Portugal in his 226th appearance.
Portugal, who were on the verge of securing their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance last month before a stoppage-time equalizer by Hungary in Lisbon, fell behind at 17 minutes when Liam Scales redirected a corner into Parrott’s path, who didn’t miss.
Deserving their lead, Ireland nearly doubled it when Chiedozie Ogbene hit the post with a fine attempt before in-form AZ Alkmaar striker Parrott found the bottom corner with a brilliant shot from a similar distance just before halftime.
Ireland, who defended bravely in the previous fixture before succumbing to a late goal, didn’t need a repeat performance once Ronaldo was sent off, sarcastically clapping at the delighted home fans as he left the field.
Portugal, guaranteed at least a playoff spot, lead Group F by two points over Hungary thanks to a superior goal difference, with Ireland just one point further back.
