Ronaldo received a red card, Portugal lost 0-2 to the Republic of Ireland.

In the 61st minute at Aviva Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo's spirits were shattered after VAR intervened to upgrade his yellow card to a red card for elbowing O'Shea. This was a turning point that shattered Portugal's hopes of a comeback in their 0-2 defeat to the Republic of Ireland, with both goals scored by Troy Parrott.

Key developments: Parrott punishes, VAR changes card color.

Republic of Ireland made four changes to their starting lineup but started the game with discipline and focus. The home team withstood the pressure of their opponents' high-speed ball movement, shutting down attacks from both the flanks and the center, while Caoimhin Kelleher was solid in goal, saving long-range shots from Ruben Neves and Ronaldo.

In the 17th minute, the first turning point occurred: Liam Scales skillfully controlled the ball at the far post and headed it back into the six-yard box. Parrott positioned himself perfectly, leaping high to head the ball past Diogo Costa, sending Aviva Stadium into a frenzy. Buoyed by this, the Republic of Ireland nearly doubled their lead when Chiedozie Ogbene broke through and curled a shot that hit the post.

Portugal responded with a faster attacking tempo. Vitinha, Diogo Dalot, and Joao Felix all had chances but were tightly marked by the home team's defense. With only a few minutes left in the first half, Hallgrimsson's 5-3-2 formation launched a textbook counter-attack: Dara O'Shea played a long ball over the top, Parrott sprinted, dribbled past a defender, and fired a diagonal shot past Diogo Costa, making it 2-0.

In the second half, Portugal made several changes to try and turn the tide. But their hopes crumbled in the 61st minute: during a challenge, Ronaldo swung his elbow at O'Shea, receiving a yellow card which was then recommended by VAR for a direct red card. Playing with ten men, the visitors lacked the speed and space to break through the home team's defense.

The remainder of the match saw the Republic of Ireland slow down the pace, waiting for opportunities to counter-attack. Mikey Johnston, Adam Idah, and Ogbene had further shots but couldn't score a third goal. At the other end of the pitch, Goncalo Ramos unleashed a dangerous volley in injury time, but Kelleher made an excellent save, keeping a clean sheet until the final whistle.

Tactical analysis: The disciplined 5-3-2 formation stifles space.

The Republic of Ireland's success stemmed from their tightly organized 5-3-2 formation, compressing their players in their own half to protect the central flanks, forcing Portugal to attack down the wings and take long-range shots. Three midfielders moved in clusters, constantly shielding passes into the center for Bernardo Silva or Joao Felix, while five defenders actively provided deep cover, limiting the number of balls coming behind them.

In attack, the home team capitalized on the speed and early movement of Parrott and Ogbene. The opening goal resulted from Ireland pushing many players to the far post in the second half, while the second came from a precise through pass by O'Shea combined with a one-touch finish by Parrott.

Portugal had more possession and quick passing, but lacked penetrating attacks down the defensive line. After the red card, they lost their footing in the penalty area; Diogo Dalot's runs down the flanks or Joao Cancelo's were constantly blocked, and their central midfield combinations didn't create enough space for Ramos or Rafael Leao to take quality shots.

Selective statistics

• Score: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Portugal.
• Goal: Troy Parrott 17', end of the first half.
• Red card: Cristiano Ronaldo 61' (VAR upgraded from yellow card).
• Ogbene hit the post once; Kelleher saved Goncalo Ramos's volley in injury time.

Impact on the race

Portugal missed the opportunity to secure an early ticket to next year's World Cup finals. This was coach Roberto Martinez's first defeat in a qualifying round for a major tournament. In the final match of Group F on Sunday, Portugal faced Armenia in an attempt to get back on track. On the same day, the Republic of Ireland clashed with Hungary in a battle for second place and a play-off spot. "The Boys in Green" were one point behind their opponents and needed to win in Budapest.

Starting lineup and substitutes

Portugal (4-3-3)

Lineup: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo Dalot; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Ruben Neves; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.

Subs: Rui Silva, Joao Carvalho, Nelson Semedo, Antonio Silva, Joao Palhinha, Renato Veiga, Matheus Nunes, Rafael Leao, Trincao, Carlos Forbs, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos.

Republic of Ireland (5-3-2)

Lineup: Caoimhin Kelleher; Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea, Jake O'Brien, Liam Scales; Finn Azaz, Jack Taylor, Josh Cullen; Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott.

Subs: Mark Travers, Gavin Bazunu, Kevin O'Toole, Festy Ebosele, Jimmy Dunne, John Egan, Conor Coventry, Jamie McGrath, Andrew Moran, Johnny Kenny, Mikey Johnston, Adam Idah.