Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines after being sent off for Portugal versus Ireland on Thursday.
But it was Ireland’s heroes who should have done just that after beating their Group F foes in front of more than 50,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium.
The hosts knew they would have to deal with it if Ronaldo and co. showed up and for the most part it played out that way.
The visitors pressed, pushed, harassed and chased for 90 minutes with their possession statistics through the roof at the end of the action.
They controlled 72 percent of the ball and had fourteen attempts on Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal, although only three were on target.
But it was Ireland who made the most of their chances when they came around and Troy Parrott was the match winner with two goals to seal all three points and keep their hopes alive.
Before kick-off, things looked bleak in the group for the Republic, who were one point behind nearest rivals Hungary, while also further back – six points – behind the Portuguese.
Republic of Ireland beat Portugal after Ronaldo was sent off
It was always going to take a huge effort to even push for a play-off spot and victory at home on Thursday was an absolute must.
So when a corner was headed back across goal by Celtic star Liam Scales and nodded home by Parrott, the dream was suddenly a reality again.
It was 2-0 before half-time and the same man was on the scoresheet again, electrifying the stadium and stunning both the traveling punters and the superstars on the pitch.
Ronaldo then made it all about him, as the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is wont to do.
He was shown a yellow card for an off-ball incident involving Dara O’Shea before VAR intervened.
In addition, officials suggested an upgrade to a red card because it appeared the veteran had elbowed his opponent.
Ronaldo’s red card put him ten ahead of Leo Messi, but it meant he had given his teammates a task made more difficult that night and the Irish would do everything they could to get three crucial points.
They are now set for a direct shootout with Hungary for second spot, while top of the group is also incredibly mathematically achievable depending on the results.
Ireland fans react to World Cup qualifying win over Portugal
So what did the punters think?
It was an incredible evening for them and they enjoyed it immensely.
But what do they say on social media?
Some could hardly believe their luck, and one of them said, “So guys, how did we do this?”
Another added: “The rosary is being prayed now,” as another on X wrote: “What a result!”
One said: “Let’s keep going guys,” while another wrote: “The crowd support was off the charts last night. Beautiful. Best win since Holland in 01.”
Ronaldo’s broadcast was also a talking point as expected, but with the old-fashioned Irish charm and humor there was little sympathy for the man.
One fan said: “Can’t do it on a cold night in the Aviva, unlike my rush hour,” while another wrote: “Hahaha, I inject it.”
One commented: “He didn’t do anything on the pitch anyway”, while another joked: “Cristiano pays €9.50 for pints in Temple Bar”.
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