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South Africa’s centurion felt responsible for shortcoming in Ranchi as he set the stage for the big hitters

Firdose Moonda03-Dec-20254:14

Takeaways: Markram and SA’s middle order ace record chase

From handing India their heaviest Test defeat by runs in Guwahati to chasing down their own highest successful target away from home in Raipur, it’s fair to say South Africa’s tour is going rather well, even if Aiden Markram hasn’t quite seen all of it.Markram admitted he was “hiding at the back of the change-room” when Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj completed a series-levelling win, and hoping no-one would notice his nerves. “It feels like everything’s going along smoothly, and then all of a sudden the game might change,” he said. “At the death, the run-rate can go up really quickly as well. I was biting my nails and trying not to engage with anyone.”He emerged when the winning runs were hit to tell the next batter in – injured Nandre Burger – that he was “impressed with how calm he was, because I would never have been that way”. To be fair to Markram, he was also carrying something else: pressure to perform in his primary discipline, especially after the way things went in the series opener. Chasing 350 in Ranchi on Sunday, South Africa had been 11 for 3 in the fifth over of their reply. Markram, the third man out on that occasion, felt “responsible” for that poor start and was determined to make amends. So he became the pace-setter for a similar chase in similar conditions today.He seized the initiative in his 98-ball 110, batting aggressively from the get-go when he made Harshit Rana pay for small errors in length and line in his opening over, then steadying things after the early wicket of de Kock by taking pressure off Temba Bavuma, who took some time to settle. Even as the required run-rate climbed, neither Markram nor Bavuma looked hurried with the top-order blow-out from three days earlier top of their minds. Neither did Markram seem overly fussed when his 101-run stand with Bavuma was broken, as he was well set enough to understand what he needed to do.In Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi and especially Dewald Brevis, South Africa have exciting players who bat with freedom and they want to encourage them to keep playing that way. That means, more often than not, that Markram has to drop anchor. He and Breetzke duly saw off a Kuldeep Yadav over but, given the opportunity to ramp Prasidh Krishna, charge Washington Sundar and hit Ravindra Jadeja over his head, Markram still took his chances. Though he was scoring at a rapid rate, his 88-ball century was still the slowest of the four in his ODI career and the only one he’s so far made in a chase. When he was dismissed, he did not yet know it would be in a successful cause, which was actually all that he cared about. “Runs only matter if you win games to be fair, or at least for me,” Markram said.Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke carried on the chase for South Africa•BCCISo he would have been furious when, at the end of the 30th over, he was foxed by a Harshit slower ball with South Africa 162 runs away from victory. They had seven wickets in hand, so the equation was favourable, but their most experienced batters were all out and they had to rely on the mavericks.Breetzke, with an intensity his former SA20 captain Keshav Maharaj in the past has compared to Virat Kohli’s, is fast moving out of the latter category into the former. He has seven fifties from his first 11 ODIs and the consistency of his game means South Africa have confidence in him. “He managed the situation really well today,” Markram said. “He has only played 11 games but the way he batted today, it was like this guy’s got at least 50 caps under his belt.”When Markram was caught at long-on, Breetzke had reached a run-a-ball 23 and the required run-rate was just above eight an over. He didn’t go for broke immediately. The next two overs brought only four runs and when the third seemed to be going the same way, Brevis made room for himself to hit Kuldeep for a straight six. That over went for 10 but the one after it, just three. Breetzke only got a boundary in the following over thanks to a combination of dew and a Kuldeep misfield at short third, but he let Brevis do the big-hitting, as anyone would.”Obviously Brevis hits the ball miles,” Markram said. “He takes the game on and he’s not afraid to put bowlers under pressure and stuff like that. As cricket lovers, it’s great to watch. It’s really entertaining.”Brevis reached a 33-ball fifty to overtake Breetzke and though he was out the ball after he raised his bat, his breezy innings changed the momentum. By the 40th over, South Africa’s required run-rate was under eight and when Brevis was dismissed, it had dipped to 7.5. That allowed de Zorzi and Breetzke to bat normally, and not take many risks. Even when Breetzke was trapped lbw, and de Zorzi had to limp off the field with a hamstring concern, South Africa didn’t have to panic. They bat deep, down to Maharaj at No.9, though he may not like how Markram assessed his ability. “We’ve got eight really good batters and then Kesh who can do his thing,” he said.No offence was intended. Ahead of Maharaj, South Africa have the two seam-bowling allrounders, Marco Jansen and Bosch, whom they back to hunt down big totals. “We’ve got some great hitters and great batters in the middle to lower order,” Markram said. “If you give them a chance, they can do damage.”Related

• When South Africa and India went off the scale

• 'I'm easy wherever I fit in' – Bavuma not fussed about batting spot ahead of must-win ODI

• Nandre Burger and de Zorzi pick up injuries during Raipur ODI

• Shadowing the king: When Gaikwad matched Kohli shot for shot

• Hardik back in India's T20I squad for South Africa, Gill to play subject to fitness

In the first match, with South Africa 228 for 7 in the 34th over, chasing 350, Jansen and Bosch manufactured their team’s chance as they each went past their half-centuries, though they ultimately fell 17 runs short. In this one, they were given the opportunity to finish the chase off and they did. “We can do incredible things when things are set up,” Bosch told the broadcasters. “There’s always the belief that we can chase anything.”Over the last two months, on the tours in the subcontinent, South Africa have used that b-word liberally and it shows that theirs is growing, which is exactly what they want ahead of a series decider on Saturday.”To chase quite a big number, I think gives the group belief and confidence that the next time we’re in that position, we can do it again,” Markram said. “We’re playing a world-class team in their home conditions and to get a win against India in their own backyard is no easy feat.”The series finale will be played in Vizag on Saturday.

Chelsea midfielder Roméo Lavia had only just returned to fitness and Enzo Maresca was easing him back into the team gently, but the Belgian could now be set for another spell on the sidelines in what is a frustrating blow.

Chelsea’s Champions League campaign continued on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Qarabag, a result that leaves the Blues frustrated but relieved after squandering a 1-0 lead and facing a difficult fightback against the Azerbaijani minnows.

Maresca’s side started brightly and took an early lead through teenage sensation Estevao after dominating possession and probing Qarabag’s defence.

However, just before halftime, Qarabag stunned Chelsea by turning the game on its head. The visitors struggled to contain Qarabag’s growing threat, and they capitalised with two goals in quick succession. Qarabag’s first equaliser came from a well-placed finish, and 10 minutes later, a second goal from the penalty spot put them unexpectedly 2-1 ahead at the break.

The swift turnaround rattled Chelsea, with the home side taking advantage of poor defensive lapses.

Luckily for the west Londoners, half-time substitute Alejandro Garnacho was quickly on hand to spare their blushes with a clinical finish into the bottom corner just minutes after the restart. Estevao, Enzo Fernández and Facuno Buonanotte all made attempts to win the game for Chelsea, with Garnacho also seeing an added-time effort saved from inside the area.

It was close but no cigar for Chelsea who ended up sharing the spoils, and Garnacho saved them from what would have been an historic loss, as no English team has ever lost to the Azerbaijani side before.

It was an evening of serious reflection for Maresca, who watched on as his side struggled defensively yet again amid reports that Chelsea are prioritising the signing of a centre-back in January.

The occasion was also marred by yet another injury blow for Lavia.

The 21-year-old was given his first starts of the season against Nottingham Forest and Ajax recently as Maresca slowly edged him back into the fold after his recovery from a muscle strain. Chelsea’s boss handed Lavia the nod again at Qarabag, but Lavia was hauled off after just eight minutes with what looks like a quadricep injury.

Going by the player’s own reaction, Lavia’s latest injury might not be minor.

What Roméo Lavia did moments after being taken off against Qarabağ

The Belgium international looked in visible disarray after being taken off against Qarabağ.

Lavia was spotted throwing a water bottle in anger as he made his way for Chelsea treatment, and given how much action he’s missed since joining Chelsea, this could also be put down to pure frustration on his part.

The midfielder, who was signed for around £58 million from Southampton in 2023, missed almost all of his debut season – bar 32 minutes against Crystal Palace – with ankle and hamstring problems. He was forced to sit out a grand total of 226 days last term as well, with Maresca and supporters now anxiously waiting for a more definitive update on his condition.

It’s a crying shame for a player who Maresca branded one of world football’s “best midfielders” when fit and available, but his patches of readiness to play are simply too few and far between.

For BlueCo and the board, an uncomfortable conversation may need to be had soon.

During a rare batting practice session on Thursday night, Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium, bouncing it off the roof of the pavilion in right field and out of the park. On Friday night, Ohtani one-upped himself during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Brewers.

After impressively striking out the side, then hitting a leadoff homer in the bottom half of the first inning, Ohtani electrified the ballpark and left his teammates jaws on the floor when he turned on a 3-1 cutter from Milwaukee righthander Chad Patrick, sending the ball a whopping 469 feet up and out of Dodger Stadium.

It's hard to say which was better, Ohtani's mammoth blast or his teammates' reactions. All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman looked like he had seen a ghost.

Over in the Dodgers' bullpen, the reactions were priceless.

Ohtani simply defies words. In addition to his two home runs, he's pitched six shutout innings with 10 strikeouts.

Thomas Tuchel is ready to pit childhood friends Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers against one another, with the battle on to become England’s playmaking No.10 at the 2026 World Cup. Phil Foden also forms part of that discussion, with the Three Lions’ German coach making it clear that he will not force all of the “best players” into his starting XI.

• England rules: Tuchel prepared to make tough decisions

  Tuchel has stated on a regular basis across recent international camps that he is prepared to favour collective ambition over individual ability. If that means leaving a few superstar performers on the bench, then those are big decisions that the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss is prepared to take.

  Those at his disposal are now fully aware of the rules, with Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham returning to the England fold having missed out on selection in October during his ongoing recovery from summer shoulder surgery. Others have staked their claims to starting berths during the enforced absence of rivals once considered to be guaranteed selections.

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  England's No.10: Bellingham & Rogers go head-to-head

  The expectation is that Bellingham will remain a go-to option for the Three Lions when another bid for global glory is opened, but Aston Villa star Rogers – who once lined up alongside Bellingham at U15 level and has started England’s last two games – is still very much in the mix.

  Tuchel has said of not changing his system to fit everybody in: “Rather than finding a position for the best players to just have them on the field, it is better to have them in their best position and have a competition. At the moment the competition is between the two of them [Bellingham and Rogers].

  “They are friends, it can also be a friendly competition – they don’t have to be enemies, they don’t have to hate each other. They are respectful, they are friends and can fight for the position. Can they play together? Yes, but in a different structure. At the moment it is not time to change our structure.”

• Friendly competition: Every shirt is up for grabs

  Tuchel added on welcoming Bellingham and Foden back into his plans, with the pair having joined training on Wednesday after being granted extra recovery time on the back of their respective outings for Real Madrid and Manchester City on Sunday: “Why should it be awkward for them?

  “We were driving the levels and driving the thing without them. Now they are back and it is their responsibility to contribute to all this. This is what they are doing. The standards are clear.”

  He went on to say of ensuring that rivalry inside his squad remains friendly, with everyone aware of what an honour it is to represent their country: “What we are trying is to build a strong bond, an energy, a group to build a brotherhood that everyone wants to join.

  “We want to create a competition where if I pull out of a 50/50 situation, the door will be closed as someone else will take the shirt. Not as a threat, but that everyone is keen to come, loves to perform for the country as it is an honour and the last step of elite football – to represent England in a World Cup. It is the pinnacle. This is how it should feel .

  “We are absolutely on the way, everyone wants to be part of the camps and nobody has given signals that it is time to rest – and we also wouldn’t accept it. So it is an energy that feeds itself. That is the key – everyone loves to be in camp and enjoys it.”

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  England fixtures: Next up with World Cup qualification secured

  England will be back in action on Thursday when facing Serbia at Wembley Stadium. Tuchel’s side have already booked their place at next summer’s World Cup, meaning that he is in a position to rotate and experiment.

  Having made faultless progress through qualification – with six victories and as many clean sheets being picked up so far – the Three Lions will complete their schedule for 2025 when travelling to Albania on Sunday.

He will work in cricket as an independent contractor going forward

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Aug-2025Former New Zealand Women head coach Bob Carter will be stepping away from his role as the high-performance coach, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Friday. That will bring down curtains on a 21-year career in which he oversaw progress of New Zealand’s men’s and women’s teams.”I feel like I’ve lived the dream,” Carter said in an NZC release. “I’ve very much enjoyed offering support and contributing and, if that’s helped players or teams go on and achieve success, then that’s terrific – I’m delighted.”But I think what’s worked best at NZC has been the combinations, the teamwork, and the cooperation.”Born in Norfolk in east England, Carter played 60 first-class and 55 List-A matches for Northamptonshire and Canterbury before getting into coaching. He joined New Zealand men’s set-up in 2004 as an assistant coach to John Bracewell. After a five-year tenure, he was again appointed assistant coach to Mike Hesson from 2012 to 2014 before taking over from Haidee Tiffen as New Zealand Women’s head coach in 2019. He coached them in the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2022 ODI World Cup that New Zealand hosted, before stepping down.”We’ve been able to create sides that have been greater than their sum of parts, and that’s a key ingredient in team sport,” Carter, who will work in cricket as an independent contractor, said. “Sure, the individual performance is important, but it’s the collective that has the greater potential. That’s where the magic is.”Bob Carter: ‘The reason the Black Caps have continued to produce great batters and bowlers is because we have a strong, underlying domestic system’•Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

Carter, 65, said he was pleased to leave the role in Lincoln at a time New Zealand are doing well in international cricket. The women’s team won the T20 World Cup for the first time last year while the men whitewashed India in India in a Test series; no team had defeated India at home in a Test series since 2012, let alone returning a clean sweep.”It’s true that the game has evolved a great deal over the past twenty years,” he said. “But the flipside is that the basics and fundamentals of batting and bowling have never really changed.”Sure, the batters are playing shots we wouldn’t have dreamed of in the nineties, and the bowlers are producing options and change-ups with an incredible degree of difficulty. But within all that, the framework that allows the players to execute so successfully, is still the same as it was 50 years ago.”Our domestic cricket is very strong. I’m not sure that’s widely recognised. The reason the Black Caps have continued to produce great batters and bowlers is because we have a strong, underlying domestic system. The White Ferns have been in transition over the past couple of years, but the domestic competitions have brought new players through and invigorated the established ones.”The World Cup win last year was a great example of what that team is capable of.”Playing tribute to Carter, NZC chief high performance officer Daryl Gibson said, “Bob has been the voice of experience at Lincoln and has been involved in much of the success we’ve seen in the men’s and women’s games over the past decade or more. He’s part of a wider high-performance team that underpinned and supported one of New Zealand cricket’s golden periods – the legacy he leaves in terms of his contribution to NZC is enormous.”

All you need to know about the SA20 2025-26 auction

Firdose Moonda08-Sep-2025The SA20 is avoiding the word mega (because that belongs to the IPL) but the auction of season four is big. Very big.Almost two-thirds of the player pool is up for grabs, with 84 of the 114 player spots across the six franchises available. The teams were permitted no more than six retentions or pre-signed players and were also allowed to sign a wildcard player, who falls outside the R41 million (approx USD 2.31 million) salary cap.There is no rookie draft in place anymore to prevent a high turnover of young players and instead, franchises must sign a minimum of two under-23 players in their final squads.Related

• SA20: Six retentions per team for next season

• Cape Town to host SA20 final; playoffs in Durban, Centurion and Johannesburg

• Pretoria Capitals name Ganguly head coach, Pollock assistant coach in SA20

• Anderson, Shakib headline 549-player SA20 auction list

Squad composition is unchanged from the previous three seasons, with 19 players per squad and a maximum of seven overseas players. Here’s the lowdown before the first gavel hits.Who has what going in?
Pretoria Capitals, who will be under a new coach in Sourav Ganguly for season four, have the biggest purse of R32.5 million (approx USD 1.85 million) and most number of spots to fill – 16. They are also the only franchise with two Right to Match (RTM) cards available to them. Similar to the IPL, the RTM can be used to buy back a player who was part of a franchise in the previous season by matching the winning bid. All three of Pretoria’s current players – Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford and wildcard Andre Russell – are overseas players so they only have four international spots left.Durban’s Super Giants have R29.5 million (approx USD 1.68 million) and 15 spots available with one RTM card. They also have four overseas places available after pre-signing Sunil Narine and Jos Buttler and retaining Noor Ahmed. Heinrich Klaasen is their wildcard.Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings both have R21.5 million (approx USD1.2 million) and 14 player spots available, four for overseas players, with one RTM card each. Paarl Royals have R14.5 million (approx USD826,000) and 13 spots, including five overseas while MI Cape Town have R11.5 million (US$650,000) and only 12 places to fill but four for overseas players. Neither Paarl nor MICT have an RTM card. What do the base prices look like?
The base prices range from R200,000 (approx USD11,400) to R1.5 million (approx USD85,500), which is what some of the high-profile international names such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mustafizur Rahman, Moeen Ali, Jason Roy, Maheesha Theeksana and Johnson Charles have set for themselves. A further 32 players including James Anderson, Shakib Al Hasan, Reece Topley, Craig Overton, Logan van Beek, Corey Anderson and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have set their base prices at R1 million (approx USD57,000).In-form Matthew Breetzke is among players expected to attract big bids•AFP/Getty ImagesMost of the 549 players on the auction list have opted for the lowest base price but South Africa’s premier bowlers have rated themselves slightly higher with a host of them opting for base prices of R500,000 (approx USD 28,500). Among them are a resurgent Lungi Ngidi, who has maintained fitness across formats, teenage left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka, Gerald Coetzee, who only played one match for JSK last year as he battled with injury, Anrich Nortje, who has not played any cricket since the IPL, Lizaad Williams, who has recovered from knee surgery and was awarded a national contract in this cycle, left-armer Nandre Burger and allrounder Wiaan Mulder.Leading spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, and veteran Imran Tahir have also opted for a R500,000 base price alongside experienced batters Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen. Dewald Brevis, who has enjoyed a breakthrough year across formats, is also at R500,000.Will someone cross the R10 million mark?
Unless you’re South African this number may not mean anything but it’s considered the high-water mark for this auction after Tristan Stubbs was picked up for R9.2 (approx USD 525,180) million in the first auction in 2023. Should a player command a R10 million price tag, that would be worth more than half a million US dollars, (around USD 570,000) which, for anyone, is a tidy payday.Some of the favourites to attract that kind of money include South Africa’s T20I captain and two-time title-winning SA20 captain Markram (but he has only scored 20 or more twice in his last ten T20I innings), Maharaj and in-form batters Matthew Breetzke and Brevis.Are there any overseas names to look out for?
The absence of England’s Test players, who will be involved in the Ashes, is the biggest talking point of this season after Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow were two of the major catches in the previous edition but there is still a strong contingent at the auction. Headlined by Anderson, who had three matches in the Hundred this summer, there are 96 English names on the auction list. Contrastingly, there are only two Australians – D’Arcy Short and Peter Hatzoglou.James Anderson will have a base price of R1 million at the auction•Getty ImagesWest Indies have 28 players in the auction list, Sri Lanka 24 and Afghanistan, who have historically had a strong contingent of players in the SA20, have 19, followed by Bangladesh with 15 and New Zealand with six. Of the other Full Members there are five Zimbabweans – Brian Bennett, who was schooled in the Eastern Cape, Ryan Burl, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams and Brad Evans – and five Irish players have thrown their names into the hat.Notably, there are no Pakistan players in the auction list. While the SA20 has always said it remains open to players from across the cricketing world, all six franchises are owned by IPL team owners.From Associate nations, 16 players from the USA, eight Netherlands players including former South African international Roelof van der Merwe, six Scottish players, four Namibians including captain Gerhard Erasmus, four from the UAE, and one Nepal player Dipendra Singh Airee are in the list. When and where is the auction?
The auction will take place on Tuesday, September 9 from 2pm South African time (5.30pm IST) and will be held in Johannesburg.

In stark contrast to last season, Arsenal cannot stop winning at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side’s win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday night was their tenth on the bounce in all competitions.

Additionally, it marked their eighth consecutive clean sheet, a feat the club have not achieved in 122 years.

As things stand, Arsenal are far and away the best team in the Premier League, and a somewhat underappreciated star should be in serious contention for the Player of the Season Award.

The Arsenal players on track for the Team of the Season

It is still early on in the season, but as things stand, there are a handful of Arsenal players who feel like a shoo-in for the Team of the Season come May.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For example, while he was once seen as something of a liability, Gabriel Magahelse has transformed into one of the best centre-backs in world football, and on form, the best in the league.

On top of being a “colossus” at the back, as dubbed by Adam Keys, the Brazilian is a force of nature in the opposition’s penalty area and, in the league alone, has already amassed a tally of two assists and one goal in ten appearances.

Another defender who stands a good chance of featuring in the team, so long as he remains fit, is Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian international has added an element of the unpredictable to the Gunners’ team, and his ability to pop up all over the pitch has seen journalist James Benge label him “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.”

While not quite shoo-ins, William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi also stand a great chance of making it.

Finally, someone who should be the first name in the midfield is Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this term.

On top of breaking up opposition attacks with ease, the Englishman’s passing has been world-class, and it is hard to think of a better dead-ball specialist in European football, let alone the Premier League.

However, with all that said, there is another Arsenal star who not only should be in the Team of the Season but also in contention for Player of the Season.

The Arsenal star in line for Player of the Season

Now, you could make the argument for several Arsenal stars here, but as things stand, Jurrien Timber has arguably been the team’s best player this season.

The Dutchman had an impressive personal campaign last season, cementing himself as one of the best lockdown full-backs in the league, but has, in the words of Arteta, reached a “different dimension” entirely this year.

On top of being a brick wall at the back, notably delivering a “monster” performance in the words of Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley against Madrid last season, the former Ajax star has become a seriously dangerous attacking outlet.

For example, in the league alone, he has already scored two goals and provided two assists in just ten appearances.

However, his influence cannot be measured purely in terms of output, as he’s become far more accomplished at overlapping with Bukayo Saka on the right.

More than that, though, he’s also starting to take on opposition defenders in central areas, with him going on a couple of mazy runs against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.

However, if you are still unconvinced, you only need to take a look under the hood at his underlying numbers.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for through balls, the top 4% for non-penalty goals, tackles, and penalties won, the top 7% for progressive passes, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’s still early in the season, Timber has not only been Arsenal’s best player, but arguably the best in the league.

Therefore, he should be the leading candidate for the Player of the Season.

He's like Saka & Odegaard: Arsenal star is one of the "best in the world"

The incredible international is starting to perform like Saka & Odegaard for Arteta & Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 5, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo was defended by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez after receiving the first red card of his record-shattering international career. CR7 was given his marching orders when earning his 226th cap. He lashed out during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, with those antics further highlighting how the evergreen 40-year-old has lost none of his passion for the game and appetite for success.

• First red card in 226 appearances: Historic dismissal for Ronaldo

  Portugal could have done with their captain staying on the field, as they trailed 2-0 at the time of his dismissal. Two goals from Troy Parrott condemned them to defeat at the Aviva Stadium. Ronaldo was back in the dressing room by the time that the final whistle blew, having seen red just after the hour mark.

  While the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been known to lose his cool down the years, he had never exploded enough to earn an international suspension. History of the unwanted kind was made on Irish soil.

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  Martinez claims Ireland influenced Ronaldo sending off

  Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson had said in the build-up to the game that Ronaldo’s presence can influence match officials. Portugal coach Martinez referenced those comments when delivering his reaction to a red card that was brandished following a VAR review.

  Martinez said, having seen Ronaldo swing an arm in the direction of Dara O’Shea: "The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games – I think that just deserves credit – and today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team.

  "He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed and obviously when he tries to get away from the defender. I think the action looks worse than what it actually is, 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. But we accept it.

  "The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano's body."

• Martinez refuses to condemn Ronaldo's actions

  Martinez told other media outlets of seeing his skipper dismissed: "We talked, I think it's difficult for a player like Cristiano who's in the area. He had constant contact with the defenders, grabbing him. There's no violence, he tries to push them away. He was unlucky.

  "I've spoken to him and it's a play that shows his desire to reverse the score. I think the image is worse than the reality and it's good to remember that it's the first expulsion of his career [with the national team]."

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  Ronaldo ban: How many games will CR7 miss?

  Ronaldo will definitely be missing for Portugal when they complete their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Armenia on Sunday. It remains to be seen how many games he is banned for, as he could be stung with a three-match suspension for violent conduct.

  FIFA’s disciplinary code, chapter two, Article 14(i) states: "Players and officials shall be suspended for misconduct as specified below… at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent or a person other than a match official."

  His fate will be determined by a disciplinary committee. If he were to be hit with a three-game ban, then Ronaldo could miss Portugal’s opening group games at next summer’s finals.

  If Martinez’s men slip into the play-offs, then it would be those games – along with the home date against Armenia – that he sits out. Portugal will be hoping that he is only ruled out for one 90-minute contest.

  Ronaldo, who is still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, will be desperate not to miss major tournament action having conceded that the 2026 World Cup will be his last – with the legendary frontman set to turn 41 in February.