The well-known Russian coach, **Yuri Semin**, commented on the incident involving the red card issued to Portugal’s forward **[Cristiano Ronaldo](https://www.championat.com/tags/584-krishtianu-ronaldu/)** during the qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup against Ireland (0:2).

“Portugal is a team that could still have turned the game around and defeated Ireland even with ten players. They have a wealth of top-level players. Some matches just don’t go as planned.

As for Ronaldo, he is a composed individual, and I’m not sure what led to that incident. Certainly, it had an impact. However, we must also acknowledge Ireland; they have very determined players who give their all on the pitch,” Semin stated in an interview with **Championat** correspondent Yegor Kabak.