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Just before receiving a red card during Thursday's match against the Republic of Ireland, Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted making a crying gesture toward Dara O'Shea in full view of the home supporters.
While he appeared to have escaped punishment after elbowing O'Shea, a VAR review resulted in his dismissal. Ronaldo's actions swiftly backfired on him. Shortly after the Portugal captain was sent off, Irish supporters mimicked the 40-year-old's gesture.
Portugal went on to lose the game 2-0, with Troy Parrott scoring both goals for Ireland. The Irish goalkeeper was Caoimhin Kelleher, the former Liverpool man who also saved a Ronaldo penalty when the two teams met last month.
Thursday's result ensured Kelleher and everyone else associated with the Irish team had the last laugh after Ronaldo's gesture.
Ronaldo's conduct proved costly for his side and may yet carry further consequences for him personally. Portugal's chances of mounting a comeback vanished as Ronaldo's team spent the final 30 minutes two goals behind and reduced to 10 players.
This result means Portugal must still secure a positive outcome at home against Armenia in the country's concluding fixture to guarantee World Cup qualification.
Should Portugal progress, Ronaldo faces potential suspension for the tournament's opening match if a ban exceeding one game is imposed for his conduct.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez came to Ronaldo's defence following the player's first sending-off in over 200 senior international caps.
Martinez said: "I think it's difficult for a player like Cristiano, who is in the area throughout the game and has to deal with defenders who are always making contact, always grabbing... There's no violence; Cristiano tries to clear the ball. He was unlucky.
"I think the angle of the images suggests worse than what happened. It's his first red card for the national team, which is still incredible."
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson also addressed the dismissal after the final whistle. "He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee," he said when asked about his interaction with Ronaldo.
"But listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me, unless I got into his head."
Portugal can still secure first place by defeating Armenia, while third-placed Ireland and second-placed Hungary - a team that boasts Liverpool stars Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez - remain in the hunt to reach the World Cup, either directly or via the playoffs.
Ireland managed a 2-2 draw against Hungary at home, despite an early two-goal deficit. A victory in Sunday's rematch would secure the Irish a playoff spot at the very least. Meanwhile, Portugal will face Armenia without Ronaldo due to suspension.
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