Parrott brace boosts Ireland dream, Ronaldo sees red

Troy Parrott’s two goals secured a vital 2-0 win for Republic of Ireland over 10-man Portugal in their World Cup qualifier, where Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card, keeping Ireland’s qualification hopes alive.

The Republic of Ireland recorded a critical 2-0 victory over 10-man Portugal in Dublin, featuring a brace from Troy Parrott and the first career red card for Cristiano Ronaldo, a result that significantly boosts Ireland’s 2026 World Cup playoff hopes, according to a report from Sports Mole.

Troy Parrott emerged as the Man of the Match, scoring both goals in the first half of Thursday night’s 2026 World Cup qualification fixture at the Aviva Stadium.

The striker, currently playing for AZ in the Eredivisie, put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute, successfully converting a close-range header after a corner was nodded back across the goal by Liam Scales.

Parrott then doubled the advantage just before the break, working his way into the Portugal box to pick out the bottom corner, giving Ireland a commanding 2-0 lead.

The major talking point of the second period arrived in the 61st minute with the sensational dismissal of legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 40-year-old was sent off for an elbow aimed at Republic of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, a decision confirmed after a VAR review. As he left the field, Ronaldo “sarcastically applauds the home supporters,” capping a very poor night for the visitors.

The victory leaves the Republic of Ireland third in Group F, sitting just one point behind second-placed Hungary and three points adrift of leaders Portugal.

Portugal will be expected to beat Armenia on Sunday, which would secure their automatic qualification, but they will be without the services of the suspended Ronaldo.

The suspension is highly significant, given that in his career, Ronaldo had been “red carded for the very first time” in his 226th senior international appearance for Portugal.

Meanwhile, the Boys in Green now face a simply “huge fixture” against Hungary on Sunday, where a victory is mandatory to claim the playoff spot.

Portugal dominated possession (77% to 23%) and shots (27-14), but Parrott’s finishing secured the giant three points for a highly intense Irish side.