Although Ronaldo was handed a three-game ban for his red card in World Cup qualifying game after he elbowed a Republic of Ireland opponent, the Al Nassr star has already served the mandatory one-game ban. He sat out when Portugal played their final qualifying game last week -- a 9-1 win over Armenia that sealed their place at the World Cup beginning in June in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Portuguese football chiefs are set to lodge an appeal to FIFA for clemency for Cristiano Ronaldo off the back of his red card offence in Dublin and claim that the hostility of the crowd in Lansdowne Road was a factor. Assuming that Portugal avoid defeat at home to Armenia on Sunday and qualify directly for the World Cup finals, Ronaldo - who is automatically suspended for that Armenia tie -
The most serious thing yesterday was Cristiano Ronaldo doing his own thing. What the captain of Portugal did was unfortunate. And I don't just mean aggression, because losing your head in a moment of frustration can, although it shouldn't, happen. Ronaldo is 40 years old. At Wednesday's press conference, he made a point of provoking opponents, the Irish coach and the public. He was the one who created the climate that he couldn't handle.
With the Republic of Ireland defending their box, a coming together between Republic of Ireland's Dara O'Shea and Ronaldo, left the Ireland defender on the floor. Ronaldo made a crying gesture and signaled it was a dive, but Swedish referee Nyberg awarded a free kick against him and produced a yellow card for adopting an aggressive attitude.
As Portugal prepare to take on the Republic of Ireland this evening (Thursday), five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has promised to behave in the hopes of avoiding boos at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
I'm really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick. I feel very good in this moment. I score goals; I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.
They did so without star man Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal striker is again expected to be rested by coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr made it seven wins from seven to start the new Pro League season at the weekend, albeit it came in controversial fashion with the home team awarded a penalty 14 minutes into stoppage time of the clash with Al-Fayha.
Cristiano Ronaldo's son, Cristiano Ronaldo Júnior, scored his first goal for Portugal's under-16 side in a 3-0 victory over Wales at the weekend. He will line up for Portugal U16s against their England counterparts on Tuesday. At the weekend against Wales, in just his second appearance for Portugal's U16 side, the Al Nassr academy forward started and struck the opener in the 42nd minute with a right-footed finish.
