Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has said Cristiano Ronaldo’s sending off for tackling Ireland defender Dara O’hea was unfair.
With his team 2-0 after the 2026 World Cup qualifying in Dublin, the five-time ballon Ronaldo saw the 61st minute after reviewing the pitchside assistant after the incident of the Irish assistants.
“We talked,” Martinesz told RTP, on the record. “It’s difficult for a player like Cristiano … He was in constant contact, with the defenders holding them.
“There’s no violence – he’s trying to push. He didn’t have the strength. The angle of the footage makes it worse than what happened.
“It’s his first red card for the national team. It’s amazing.”
Cristiano Ronaldo Card
Captain Ronaldo received his international red card for his 226th Selecao appearance. “What I told him was ‘we are preparing for the next game, he has won many with the national team,'” said Martinez.
“What happens in football. The reaction was good: We fought, we showed courage. Now it’s time to prepare for the next one.”
Ronaldo looked like he was going to be taken when the check took place before exchanging words with home manager Heimir HallGrimsson as he made his way slowly.
Portugal are guaranteed a place in the finals in the US, Canada and Mexico next year if they win at home on Sunday to Armenia, who have lost four of their four this campaign.
Ronaldo and Joao Felix each scored twice alongside a Joao Felix goal in Portugal’s 5-0 win in Armenia on September 6.
Ireland vs Portugal ‘A game to forget’
Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half to ensure Portugal’s title bid will go into their final game at Porto’s Estadio do Dransao.
“It happens in football,” Martinez said. “It’s a game you have to forget. Everything that went wrong doesn’t go right.
“Ireland went well. We talked about the pieces, the changes … we were aimless [but] We fought until the end.
“The last 20 minutes were full of heart. We have to accept that Ireland deserved to win. Now we look to Sunday.
“We need the strength of the field. We know we can rely on that. We are looking at the last game to confirm the qualification.”
Martinez added that he had replaced Joao Kansela with Nelson Semedo because the competition was an ’emotional game’.
“Canno had a yellow card,” he explained. “It was to eliminate the risk of losing him. We can use what the game needs.”
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Republic of Ireland starting Lineup vs Portugal
Curnley Captain Josh Cullen missed Ireland’s 1-0 home win over Armenia on October 14 through suspension but the youngster returned this time.
Jayson Molumby was suspended and Mark Sykes, Jason Knight, will be minor, Evan Ferguson and Robbie Brady were injured.
Caoimhin Kellehere’s goal saved Ronaldo’s penalty as Ireland lost 1-0 to Portugal on October 11.
Republic of Ireland starting XI: Caoimhin Kelleher, Seamus Colleman, Nathan Collins, Dara O’shea, Jake O’Bien, Finm Azaz, Jash Cullen, Thoy Parrott, Troy Purrott
Location of Ireland: Gavin Bazunu, Johnny Kenny, Adamu Idah, Jimmy O’Toole, Andlin Moran, John Egan, Jamie McGrath, Mary Johnston, Pesty Ebosele, Marky Ebosele, Mark Travers
Troy Parrott’s goal gave us the lead!
🇮🇪 1-0 🇵🇹
pic.twitterst.com/1iaste9fst– Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@irelandfootball) November 13, 2025
Portugal Starting Lineup vs Ireland
Pelsea’s Pedlong Ne Neto and Sports Lisron Goncalves withdrew from the Portugal squad but Paris Saint-Germian midfielder Joao Neves was recalled from injury.
Portugal starting XI: Diogo Costa, Joao Clansela, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Ide, Diogo NEVOT, Vitinha Neves, Bernardo Ronaldo, Joao Felix
Substitution for Portugal: Rui Silva, Nelson Semedo, Antonio Silva, Joao Palhinha, Carlos Forbes, Gencao Carvalho, Renato Veiga, Trincael Leo, Francisco Coocheo
Portugal World Cup 2026 How To Qualify
The top team from each of the 12 European teams will advance to the Finals, which will be expanded to 48 teams.
The 12 runners-up from each team will join four League League teams in the play-offs, which will be drawn into pots based on the teams’ records during the campaign. Games will include unlimited semicals and fains.
The draw for the World Cup will take place in December 2025. The tournament ends on June 11 until July 19 2026.
