LIAM SCALES led the Republic of Ireland to a stunning 2-0 World Cup win over Portugal in Dublin last night.
The Celtic defender set up the remarkable triumph in an encounter that saw superstar Cristiano Ronaldo red carded.
It was an astonishing evening at the rocking Aviva Stadium as the hosts took a 15th-minute lead after Scales had superbly headed a corner-kick back across goal for the unmarked Troy Parrott to nod home from close range.
Portugal, the reigning Nations League holders, were rocked again on the stroke of half-time when the former Spurs striker, who is now at AZ Alkmaar, fired in a second.
GETTING THE ELBOW…Liam Scales makes a gesture as Cristiano Ronaldo’s illegal action sees him about to be red-carded.
The visitors’ hopes of a comeback took a setback when the talismanic Ronaldo was ordered off for swinging an elbow at defender Dara O’Shea in an off-the-ball incident in the 61st minute.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace was initially shown a yellow card, but was banished following a VAR review.
Scales was booked and subbed in the 86th minute while former Celts Adam Idah, on for two-goal Parrott, and Mikey Johnston joined the action in the second-half. Johnny Kenny remained on the bench.
The Portuguese, with Ronaldo facing a three-game ban, will now have to beat Armenia on Sunday to secure a place in the Finals next summer while Scales and Co know a win over Hungary on the same day will guarantee at least second in the group.
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