Troy Parrott’s first-half brace propelled Ireland to a stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive while dealing a significant blow to the Nations League winners’ automatic qualification plans. The match saw Cristiano Ronaldo receive his first-ever red card for Portugal in his 226th appearance after an elbow on defender Dara O’Shea, leaving the hosts to defend gallantly with a numerical advantage. Ireland’s comprehensive performance—featuring Parrott’s clinical finishes and resilient defending—marked their best display in years and sets up a crucial final group match against Hungary, where only a victory will secure a playoff spot.
The result leaves Group F finely poised, with Portugal maintaining a two-point lead over Hungary but now facing their final match without suspended captain Ronaldo. Ireland’s dramatic victory, combined with Hungary’s win over Armenia, means the group will be decided on the final matchday, with Ireland needing to win in Budapest to advance. Parrott described the victory as „probably the best night” of his life, emphasizing the relief and overwhelming emotion after seeing the team’s hard work pay off in such a crucial fixture.
Elsewhere in European World Cup qualifying, France secured their place at the 2026 tournament with a dominant 4-0 victory over Ukraine courtesy of Kylian Mbappé’s brace, while Italy kept their slim automatic qualification hopes alive with a 2-0 win against Moldova. England maintained their perfect qualifying record with a 2-0 victory over Serbia, though the result eliminated the Serbians from contention. Albania secured a playoff spot with their 1-0 win over Andorra, ensuring they’ll finish as group runners-up behind England in their qualifying campaign.
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