Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of missing at least Portugal's opening match at next year's World Cup after being showing a red card in Thursday's 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.

Ronaldo was initially shown a yellow card after elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea during the match in Dublin. However, it was upgraded to a red card and Ronaldo was sent off for the first time in his international career after the contact was reviewed by the referee on a pitch-side video monitor.

"When he tries to get away from the defender, I think the action looks worse than what it actually is," Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said. "I don't think it's an elbow, I think it's a full body. But from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. We accept it. It could be a red card but for the right reason

See Full Page