Parrott cheers and Ronaldo jeers - a tale of two number sevens

Troy Parrott scored twice as the Republic of Ireland stunned Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sent off in Dublin

On the day Cristiano Ronaldo came to Dublin, it was the Republic of Ireland's number seven who stole the show and reignited World Cup dreams.

Ronaldo will still lead the headlines after the first international red card of his career, but, make no mistake, the night belonged to Troy Parrott as he fired the Irish to a famous 2-0 win.

In a 90 minutes few saw coming, their respective departures from the pitch could not have been more stark.

Ronaldo, subdued as ever after mocking tears, sarcastic applause for the fans and some choice words for Irish boss Heimir Hallgrimsson, was jeered and booed as he finally made his way off the field. The "good boy" tag had only lasted an hour.

The noise was just as loud for Parrott, but the Irish striker was given a standing ovation as he was substituted less than 10 minutes later. His work was done, and he had helped his country to one of the biggest and most important wins in recent history.

Two months ago, the Republic of Ireland's World Cup hopes were in tatters after a shock defeat in Armenia. In fact, defeat by Portugal would have ended any lingering ambitions on the spot.

But now, their dreams of securing a play-off is in their own hands.

If Hallgrimsson's side win in Hungary on Sunday they will be two games away from the finals in North America next summer.

A draw or defeat, however, and Thursday's win over Portugal will just be a thrilling footnote in history.

"We've given ourselves a chance. Sunday is massive for the country and these players," said former Irish goalkeeper Shay Given on RTE.

"This is one step in the right direction, now can they back it up on Sunday with a win, which they need."

After making his international debut as a teenager in 2019, Parrott had long been tipped to make his mark in a green shirt.

At Tottenham Hotspur he was in the shadows of Harry Kane and, like so many promising young players, was sent out on loan in the lower leagues in England but couldn't quite cut it at the very highest level.

He stepped away from the limelight of the Premier League in 2024 and has been in superb form for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch top flight, but was craving an opportunity on the international stage.

However, on a night he may not even have been starting if first-choice Evan Ferguson had been fit, it all came together.

A poacher's finish gave Hallgrimsson's side the lead against the run of play, and a superb second on the stroke of half-time gave the Irish the buffer they had been dreaming of.

Ronaldo's red card for an elbow on Dara O'Shea will be the talking point, but the damage was already done by that point, largely thanks to Parrott.

"This is probably the best night I have had in my entire life, I have no words to describe it," Parrott said on RTE.

"We all know how important this game was for us. I am overwhelmed.

"I don't know what words to use, but I am over the moon."

'We have a chance'

It was also a special night for Hallgrimsson, who many expected to be out of a job when the qualifying campaign came to a close.

The abject performance in Armenia had many calling for his departure there and then, but against Portugal he masterminded one of the biggest performances in Irish football history.

What a difference a couple of months can make.

It was even more impressive given the stakes before kick-off. Earlier on Thursday, Hungary had defeated Armenia, which meant a Portugal win in Dublin would have extinguished any World Cup hopes.

Typically, the former Iceland boss was keen to praise his players for a "perfect" showing.

"I'm proud of the performance of the guys. It was hard work, it was disciplined and focused," Hallgrimsson told RTE Sport.

"Most of all it was good team work. Defensively we were really solid and there was a big improvement in possession and we should have scored more than two goals, to be honest.

"I give the players a lot of credit and it was a perfect example of how you play a team with this level of individual quality like Portugal has."

After celebrating the win, defender Seamus Coleman urged the Republic of Ireland to use their heads

The Icelandic manager, who wondered if had got in Ronaldo's head with his pre-match comments that led to their touchline confrontation, was as calm and collected as ever when he spoke post-match, and was not getting carried away with the result.

The Irish support, who were superb from first whistle to last, will now be allowed to dream of a first World Cup in 23 years.

But while there were smiles on the pitch after a famous win, a picture of evergreen defender Seamus Coleman pointing to his head will be echoed in the Irish camp over the weekend - the job is not done.

"It is in our hands and that is what we wanted. After a performance like this we have a chance," Hallgrimsson added.

"Now, recovery is so important and there are a lot of tired legs.

"The coaching team and medical staff need to work really hard to get everyone fit and ready because that [Hungary] game is so important now."