Cristiano Ronaldo lost his cool at the wrong time on Thursday, getting sent off as Portugal suffered a shock 2-0 loss at Ireland in World Cup qualifying.

The 40-year-old legend was shown a straight red card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea in the back during the second half of the match in Dublin.

Ireland took a two-goal lead into halftime at Aviva Stadium, as Troy Parrott scored in the 17th minute and the 45th minute.

With Portugal looking for a way back into the game, Ronaldo made his team's job much tougher by earning the first red card of his illustrious international career in his 226th cap.

As a cross came into the box, Ronaldo got in front of O'Shea and violently elbowed the defender in the back, sending him tumbling to the ground.

Ronaldo was initially shown a yellow card but referee Glenn Nyberg was summoned to the monitor by the VAR. After a brief review, the yellow card was changed to a straight red.

Portugal went into the match needing a win to clinch qualification to the 2026 World Cup. With one game remaining, the Portuguese still control their own destiny despite the defeat.

Ronaldo will be suspended for Sunday's game against Armenia, which Portugal must win to guarantee direct passage to the World Cup. Hungary will face Ireland in a simultaneous kickoff on Sunday.

Portugal is still atop Group F on 10 points, with Hungary in second place on eight points and Ireland in third with seven points. Armenia is in last place with three points.

The group winner will qualify directly to the World Cup, while the runner-up advances to a playoff.

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: Ronaldo shown red card in shock Portugal loss at Ireland

Reporting by Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire / Pro Soccer Wire

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