Cristiano Ronaldo released from Portugal squad after ban

Ronaldo’s release means he will also not feature in Saturday’s friendly against World Cup hosts Qatar in Hungary

Cristiano Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad as he prepares to serve a one-match ban. Picture: Isabel Infantes

Cristiano Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad after firing them to World Cup qualifier victory over the Republic of Ireland in dramatic fashion.

The 36-year-old scored a world record 110th international goal to cancel out John Egan’s opener with just a minute remaining at the Estadio Algarve on Wednesday evening, and then completed the job with his 111th in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win.