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The Republic of Ireland achieved a resounding 2-0 victory over Portugal in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, played on November 13, 2025, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
This result, driven by a brace from striker Troy Parrott, represented one of Ireland’s most significant wins in recent years against a Portuguese team ranked fifth in the world. The match was characterized by Ireland’s disciplined defense, their opportunistic attack, and the controversial red card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo, which changed the course of the game.
Key Moments and Highlights
17th minute: Ireland took the lead when a mistake by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa on a free kick allowed Liam Scales to head the ball into the six-yard box, where Parrott finished with ease.
45th minute: Parrott extended the lead just before halftime, latching onto a long pass from Dara O’Shea, cutting inside, and beating Costa at the near post.
59th minute: Ronaldo was sent off after a VAR review, which upgraded his yellow card to a straight red for an off-the-ball elbow to O’Shea during a corner. This was Ronaldo’s first international red card in his 226th appearance for the national team.
Portugal dominated possession (around 65%) and created several scoring opportunities, including shots from João Félix and Vitinha, but Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher and the defense held firm, with standout saves from Séamus Coleman and Conor Coventry on his debut.
Parrott’s masterful performance—capitalizing on his improved aerial game and positioning—received widespread praise, with former Irish striker Richie Sadlier calling it a “huge confidence booster.” Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson highlighted the team’s “true character,” discipline, and teamwork, noting they could have scored more goals. Impact on teams and players
For Ireland: The victory injects vital momentum into their campaign under Hallgrímsson, transforming a previously mediocre group into a winnable one. This positions Ireland to fight for second place in Group F, setting up a crucial clash with Hungary on Sunday.
A victory there would secure a playoff spot for the 2026 finals, potentially ending a drought since their last World Cup appearance in 2002. Fans and pundits, including Ronnie Whelan, described it as a moment “etched in hearts and minds forever,” similar to historic victories against England or Italy.
For Portugal: The defeat delays confirmation of their qualification, despite topping the group. Roberto Martinez’s side regrets early errors and Ronaldo’s absence in their last match against Armenia, but their overall performance suggests they will still advance. The loss exposes vulnerabilities in defending set pieces and an over-reliance on stars like Ronaldo and Felix, who failed to perform at the expected level.
Ronaldo’s suspension: He will miss Portugal’s crucial qualifier against Armenia due to his red card. UEFA could impose a lengthy ban for “violent conduct,” potentially extending to friendlies or 2026 Nations League matches, thus impacting his international farewell at 41.
Wideer implications: Ireland’s result could reshape the dynamics of Group F: Armenia’s defeat to Hungary keeps the fight close, but an Irish victory over Hungary would eliminate Portugal’s advantage. For Martínez, this means tactical adjustments against typically strong opponents. No major injuries have been reported, but the Portuguese players received a poor rating (for example, Ronaldo scored 3/10 for arrogance).
This match underscores Ireland’s tactical evolution under Hallgrímsson: a compact, counter-attacking formation neutralized Portuguese talent, demonstrating that collective determination can overcome superpowers.
Parrott established himself as the breakout star, while Ronaldo’s frustration—despite his pre-match promises to behave—highlighted the toll taken by the pressure of such a crucial game.
For Ireland, it was a historic night that reignited national passion; for Portugal, a sobering reminder of the pitfalls of qualifying. Ultimately, the result keeps Ireland’s World Cup dream alive, but requires a similar performance in Budapest to turn the upset into a victory. As Shay Given pointed out, it’s not just about three points, but a declaration of rebirth.
