Republic of Ireland Fans React to Portugal Romp as World Cup Dream Lives

Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines after he was sent off for Portugal vs Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

But it was the Irish heroes who should have after they defeated their Group F foes in front of more than 50,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium.

The hosts knew they would be up against it when Ronaldo and co. turned up and it played out that way for the most part.

The visitors pressed, pushed, hassled and harried for 90 minutes with their possession stats through the roof at the end of the action.

They enjoyed 72 percent of the ball and had 14 attempts on Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal, albeit only three of them were on target.

But it was Ireland who made the most of their chances when they came along and Troy Parrott was the match winner with two strikes to seal all three points and keep their hopes alive.

Before kick off it looked bleak in the group for the Republic who sat one point behind close rivals Hungary while also being further back – six points – behind the Portuguese.

Republic of Ireland defeat Portugal as Ronaldo sent off

It was always set to take an almighty effort to even push for a playoff 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 all of a sudden back on.

Before half-time it was 2-0 and the same man was back on the score sheet to send the stadium into raptures and stun the travelling punters as well as the superstars on the pitch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuimcajbw64

Ronaldo then made things all about him as the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star usually does.

He was shown a yellow card for an off the ball incident involving Dara O’Shea before VAR intervened.

That saw officials suggest an upgrade to a red card as it appeared the veteran had elbowed his opponent.

Ronaldo’s red card takes him 10 clear of Leo Messi but it meant that, on the night, he had left his teammates with a job made more difficult and the Irish would see it out to land three vital points.

They are now set for a straight shootout with Hungary for second spot while top of the group is also incredibly still mathematically doable, depending on results.

Ireland fans react to World Cup qualifying win over Portugal

So what did the punters make of it all?

It was an incredible night for them and they enjoyed it immensely.

But what are they saying on social media?

Some could hardly believe their side’s luck, with one commenting: “So lads how have we done this then?”

Another added: “Rosary being said now,” as another wrote on X: “What a result!”

One said: “Let’s keep it going now lads,” as another wrote: “The crowd support was off the charts last night. Magnificent. Best win since Netherlands in 01.”

Ronaldo’s sending off was also a point of conversation as expected, but with old fashioned Irish charm and humour, there was little sympathy for the man.

One fan said: “Can’t do it on a cold night in the Aviva unlike my striker,” as another wrote: “Hahaha f***ing inject it.”

One commented: “He was doing nothing on the pitch anyway,” as another joked: “Cristiano pays €9.50 for pints in Temple Bar”.