🔗 Share this article

Rúben Neves was the hero for the Portuguese side with a injury-time decisive strike in their World Cup encounter against Ireland, following the Irish goalkeeper had saved a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Summary

The Wolves midfielder headed home during injury time to claim a narrow triumph, four years after the star striker had scored twice at the death to overcome a resilient Irish side.

The Irish squad looked set to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned point, but ultimately suffered defeat, despite regaining a good deal of honor with a battling display that overshadowed some of the memories of last month’s embarrassing defeat in Armenia.

Nevertheless, the loss leaves them staring down the barrel, with their first three qualifying group games having produced only a single draw. They must beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any hope of securing a playoff place.

Key Moments

• The Liverpool keeper seemed to have secured Ireland a draw when he brilliantly kept out Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s shot had struck Dara O’Shea’s arm.
• The match-winner came to his side’s rescue in the first minute of stoppage time when he headed a delivery from the wing past Kelleher.

Additional Group Results

Portugal’s Group

The Hungarian team enhanced their hopes of qualifying by securing their first win with a 2-0 victory over the Armenian side, climbing above their opponents into the runner-up spot behind Portugal in Group F. A Hungarian forward provided Hungary the advantage in the first half and Zsombor Gruber secured the points in second-half stoppage time.

England’s Group

Serbia slipped to a narrow defeat at home to the Albanian squad, with the outcome meaning England can now secure their qualification from their qualifying group by beating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker scored the decisive strike for his team with a well-taken volley in late stoppage time.

Latvia struggles in their group continued as they were held to a two-all draw at home by Andorra. Ian Olivera found the net for the away side 12 minutes from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s winless run to several matches.

Group E

The Spanish national team maintained their impressive qualifying group run with a 2-0 win over the Georgian side after goals from Jéremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal in the match venue. The win extended the European champions’ perfect record in the qualifiers, having scored 11 goals in three matches without letting in a goal.

Despite the absence of players such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and Rodri due to injuries, Luis de la Fuente’s side showcased their dominance against a Georgian team that passed the majority of the game defending deep. Spain dominated the match with more than 80% of the ball, and the visitors did not have one shot on target or generate a scoring opportunity, with only goalkeeper their keeper averting a rout.

Pino broke the deadlock in the 24th minute from a well-executed dead-ball routine, and his compatriot secured the win in the second period with a spectacular free kick after Mamardashvili had denied a Spanish player’s penalty.

Other Results

• The Turkish national team bounced back with a 6-1 victory over the Bulgarian side to keep the pressure on the group leaders in their section. Real Madrid’s Arda Güler was among the goal-getters.
• The Italian squad improved their hopes of at least reaching the qualifying playoffs with a comfortable win away to Estonia, thanks to goals from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and Francesco Pio Esposito.

The Italian coach said: “We’re not thinking about the group leaders or Israel. We are aware of our responsibilities.”

Italy failed to qualify for the previous two global tournaments, twice falling short in the playoffs, and the dreaded backdoor route now appears their primary chance after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive hammering over Israel in their qualifying group. The Norwegians are leading on 18 points from six games. The Italians have 12 points with a game in hand on their rivals and are a trio of points clear of Israel. Estonia stay in fourth place on three points. The top teams qualify directly for the tournament, with the runners-up entering the playoffs.

Italy host Israel on Tuesday, where a victory would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically overtake the group leaders on the table, the Norwegians’ far superior goal ratio means a qualifying place likely beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.