Sky Sports’ Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol called it an “unprecedented decision” that suited both Ronaldo and FIFA. “Under normal circumstances, Ronaldo should be suspended for Portugal’s first two World Cup games, but there is nothing normal about the Portugal superstar,” he said.

While it has now spiraled into a high-stakes disciplinary battle, Martinez has revealed his nine-word reaction in the aftermath.

Austria and Portugal will lock horns in the final on November 27. The third-place match, between Brazil and Italy, will be played earlier on the same day.