Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared for Portugal's World Cup opener despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland. The 40-year-old was dismissed for an elbow to Dara O'Shea's back during his nation's 2-0 qualifying defeat. Violent conduct is normally a three-match ban but Ronaldo has had the second and third matches suspended for a year. According to BBC Sport, the fact it was his first red card in 226 international appearances was taken into account. The former Real Madrid man sat out the