Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo Narrowly Avoids Red Card, Receives Yellow, as His Studs Make Contact with Slovakia Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s Face
In Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovakia, Cristiano Ronaldo remarkably avoided a red card despite scraping his studs across goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s face.
Around the hour mark of the match between Portugal and Slovakia, the iconic forward had a golden opportunity to double his team’s lead from close range but unfortunately mishit his shot. As the ball bounced toward Newcastle’s shot-stopper Dubravka, Ronaldo made an effort to reach it first. However, instead of making contact with the ball, the 38-year-old Al Nassr star unintentionally connected with Dubravka’s face.
In his attempt to reach the ball, Ronaldo’s studs came into contact with the Slovakian goalkeeper’s face, an action that seemed likely to result in a red card offense.
Nevertheless, referee Glenn Nyberg only showed Ronaldo a yellow card, much to the astonishment of Slovakia’s players and the fans who couldn’t believe that Ronaldo had avoided a sending-off.
One of the most bewildered players was Slovakian captain Milan Skriniar, who rushed over to confront Ronaldo immediately after he had left Dubravka sprawled on the ground.
Even after a VAR review, Nyberg’s decision to issue a yellow card remained unchanged, allowing Ronaldo to complete the rest of the Group J Euro 2024 qualifier. However, he didn’t manage to score, and the game ended with a 1-0 victory for Portugal.
In the 43rd minute, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes seized the ball on the right flank, skillfully dribbled past defenders, and unleashed a spectacular low strike just before halftime, securing the 1-0 win for Roberto Martinez’s side. This victory maintained Portugal’s flawless Euro 2024 qualification campaign, with five wins in five matches, scoring a total of 15 goals and conceding none.
Slovakia currently occupies the second position in the group standings, while Luxembourg is in third place. Ronaldo and his teammates will aim to continue their perfect international form next Monday when they face Luxembourg at the Estadio Algarve.
