Ronaldo available for Portugal's World Cup opener after suspended ban

Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for Portugal's World Cup opener despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.

Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal's 2-0 qualifying defeat to Ireland after elbowing Dara O'Shea's back earlier this month.

It was the first red card that he had received in his 226 international appearances.

Ronaldo missed the subsequent 9-1 victory over Armenia as Portugal secured their World Cup qualification in the final game.

Violent conduct usually carries a three-match ban, but Ronaldo has had the second and third matches suspended for a year, so he will not miss any games at the World Cup next year.

A FIFA statement said: "If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked, and the remaining two matches must be served immediately."

Ronaldo, who scored five goals in qualifying, will play in his sixth and final World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.

Portugal will find out who they will face in their group at the tournament in the draw on December 5.