Northern Ireland were defeated 4-2 by Portugal in a chaotic World Cup 2014 qualifier that saw six goals - three of them for Cristiano Ronaldo - and three red cards. The Real Madrid star netted his 41st, 42nd and 43rd international goals in a devastating 15-minute spell in the second half at Windsor Park to become Portugal's second-highest scorer ahead of Eusebio. Ronaldo is now four goals behind the country's all-time leading goalscorer Pauleta.
Bruno Alves gave Portugal the lead after 20 minutes but, either side of half-time, Gareth McAuley and Jamie Ward turned things around as Michael O'Neill's side chased another unexpected result, buoyed by Helder Postiga's red card just before the crack. Ward's goal, however, should have been ruled out for offside.
The favourites roared back, however, with Portugal captain Ronaldo netting a 15-minute hat-trick in the second half following a second yellow card being issued to Chris Brunt.
Portugal having sped ahead, Northern Ireland were forced out and Kyle Lafferty compounded their misery with a wild lunge that saw him become the third man sent off in the latter stages.
The Real Madrid star scored his 41st, 42nd and 43rd international goals in a devastating 15-minute spell in the second half of a bad-tempered affair at Windsor Park to surpass Eusebio as his country's all-time record goalscorer.
The result keeps Portugal just a point behind Russia at the top of Group F in the European qualifying section, while Northern Ireland's slim hopes of reaching the play-offs are now over.
Bruno Alves and Gareth McAuley traded headed goals for either side in the first half, before Helder Postiga was shown a straight red-card for Portugal.
Jamie Ward then gave Northern Ireland the lead after the break before Ronaldo took over and single-handedly gave the visitors every three points as both Chris Brunt and Kyle Lafferty were dismissed for the hosts.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill recalled Jonny Evans, Lee Hodson and Brunt to his starting XI as Aaron Hughes and Craig Cathcart were ruled out through injury, while Daniel Lafferty was suspended.
Ronaldo captained Portugal in attack, with head coach Paulo Bento preferring Vieirinha over Nani on the wing.
The hosts were full of confidence after recording an impressive 1-0 victory over Russia in their last qualifier, but it was Alves who opened the scoring after 19 minutes.
A Joao Moutinho corner was contested at the close post and the ball found Alves unmarked on the edge of the penalty place, and the Fenerbahce man coolly volleyed home.
McAuley then equalised for the hosts after 35 minutes, as he rose highest to direct the ball goalwards from six yards from Shane Fergusons corner.
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