Heimir Hallgrimsson, a candidate for Indonesia's national team coach, led Ireland to a 2-0 victory over Portugal in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The win featured a red card for Cristiano Ronaldo following an incident with an Irish defender. The event highlights Hallgrimsson's reputation amid criticisms in his home country.
On the night of November 13, 2025 local time, Ireland under Heimir Hallgrimsson defeated Portugal 2-0 at Aviva Stadium in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Both goals were scored by Troy Parrott in the first half: the first in the 17th minute from a header by Liam Scales, and the second through an individual effort before halftime past goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal attempted a comeback in the second half, but their efforts worsened after captain Cristiano Ronaldo received a straight red card in the 60th minute. Ronaldo elbowed the back of Dara O'Shea, confirmed by VAR by the referee. This marked Ronaldo's 13th red card in his career, the first while playing for Portugal. As he left the field, Ronaldo sarcastically clapped at the crowd and exchanged words with Hallgrimsson before shaking the Irish coach's hand.
Parrott described the win as the greatest moment of his career: “This might be the best night I've ever experienced in my life, I have no words to describe it. I'm overwhelmed… I don't know what words to use, but I'm very happy,” he said, quoted by France24 on November 15, 2025.
The loss prevented Portugal from securing an automatic ticket sooner, though they still lead the group with 10 points, narrowly ahead of Hungary and Ireland. They face Armenia in their final match. Ireland maintained their automatic qualification chances after Hungary's prior 1-0 win over Armenia.
Hallgrimsson, whose contract with Ireland ends this month, is on PSSI's radar to replace Patrick Kluivert as Indonesia's national team coach. However, in Ireland, he faces harsh criticism after 15 months in charge. Former coach Brian Kerr highlighted excessive rotation: “It's difficult for players to build connections... He's used more than 23 to 24 players, a sign he still doesn't know them.” Legend Richard Dunne criticized the team's lack of creativity: “There's no real quality on the field. It feels like just waiting for luck.” These critiques persist despite Ireland's absence from the World Cup since 2002 and Hallgrimsson replacing Stephen Kenny to bring fresh energy.