🔗 Share this article

Rúben Neves was the hero for Portugal with a last-gasp decisive strike in their World Cup qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland, after Caoimhín Kelleher had saved a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Overview

Neves found the net during added time to snatch a 1-0 victory, several seasons after Ronaldo had scored twice at the death to defeat a stubborn Irish side.

The Irish squad appeared poised to leave Lisbon with a well-earned point, but ultimately suffered defeat, despite regaining a good deal of pride with a battling display that overshadowed some of the recollections of last month’s embarrassing loss in Armenia.

However, the loss puts them in a difficult position, with their first three Group F games having produced only a single point. They need to defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any chance of securing a qualifying place.

Major Moments

• Kelleher seemed to have earned Ireland a point when he superbly saved Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after Francisco Trincão’s effort had struck Dara O’Shea’s hand.
• Neves saved Portugal in the opening moments of added time when he headed a delivery from the wing past the Irish goalkeeper.

Other Qualifying Results

Portugal’s Group

Hungary boosted their chances of qualifying by securing their initial victory with a two-goal triumph over the Armenian side, moving above their opponents into the runner-up spot behind Portugal in Group F. Daniel Lukacs gave his team the lead in the opening period and a teammate made sure of the victory in late added time.

Group K

Serbia suffered a narrow loss at home to the Albanian squad, with the result meaning the Three Lions can now seal their passage from their qualifying group by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker netted the only goal for his team with a neat volley in late stoppage time.

The Latvian side struggles in Group K continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player scored for the visitors 12 minutes from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s poor form to five games.

Spain’s Group

The Spanish national team maintained their impressive Group E run with a 2-0 victory over Georgia after goals from a Spanish attacker and Mikel Oyarzabal in the match venue. The win extended the European champions’ perfect record in the qualifiers, having scored eleven strikes in three games without conceding.

In spite of the absence of key figures such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and the midfield anchor due to injuries, the Spanish squad showcased their dominance against a Georgia team that spent the majority of the game sitting back. The home side controlled the encounter with over eighty percent of the ball, and the visitors did not have one shot on target or generate a clear chance, with only shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili preventing a rout.

Pino broke the deadlock in the first half from a well-executed dead-ball move, and Oyarzabal wrapped up the win in the second period with a spectacular free kick after Mamardashvili had denied a Spanish player’s penalty.

Other Scores

• The Turkish national team returned to winning ways with a comprehensive thrashing over Bulgaria to stay close to the group leaders in their section. Real Madrid’s Arda Güler was among the goal-getters.
• Italy boosted their prospects of at least reaching the qualifying playoffs with a 3-1 win away to the Estonian team, thanks to goals from Moise Kean, another attacker, and a third scorer.

Gennaro Gattuso said: “Our focus isn’t on Norway or Israel. We know what we have to do.”

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the last two global tournaments, twice missing out in the playoffs, and the dreaded backdoor route now appears their primary opportunity after Norway’s 5-0 hammering over the Israeli side in Group I. Norway are top on eighteen points from six matches. Italy have twelve points with a game in hand on their competitors and are a trio of points clear of their next opponents. Estonia stay fourth on three points. The group winners qualify directly for the tournament, with the second-placed sides going into the qualifying stage.

The Italian national team host Israel on Tuesday, where a win would secure the runner-up position and, while they can still mathematically overtake the group leaders on points, the Norwegians’ far superior goal difference means a playoff spot probably awaits for the Italian squad.