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Rúben Neves saved the day for the Portuguese side with a last-gasp decisive strike in their World Cup qualifying clash against Ireland, after Caoimhín Kelleher had denied a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Game Summary

Neves nodded in during injury time to claim a 1-0 triumph, several seasons after the star striker had bagged a brace at the death to overcome a stubborn Irish side.

The Irish squad appeared poised to leave Lisbon with a hard-fought point, but in the end suffered defeat, despite regaining a significant amount of honor with a gritty performance that overshadowed some of the memories of last month’s disappointing defeat in Armenia.

Nevertheless, the loss puts them staring down the barrel, with their initial trio of Group F games having produced only a solitary point. They must beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any chance of claiming a playoff place.

Major Incidents

• The Liverpool keeper seemed to have earned Ireland a draw when he brilliantly saved Ronaldo’s penalty with his outstretched foot after Francisco Trincão’s shot had hit Dara O’Shea’s hand.
• Neves saved Portugal in the opening moments of stoppage time when he directed Trincão’s cross past Kelleher.

Other Qualifying Outcomes

Portugal’s Group

Hungary boosted their chances of advancing by securing their initial victory with a 2-0 triumph over Armenia, climbing above their opponents into the runner-up spot behind the group leaders in Group F. A Hungarian forward gave Hungary the advantage in the first half and Zsombor Gruber made sure of the victory in late stoppage time.

England’s Group

The Serbian national team slipped to a 1-0 loss at home to Albania, with the outcome meaning the Three Lions can now secure their passage from their qualifying group by beating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj netted the only goal for his team with a neat shot in first-half added time.

Latvia difficulties in Group K continued as they were forced to a 2-2 draw at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player scored for the away side late on from time to claim them their first point of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s poor form to several matches.

Group E

Spain maintained their dominant qualifying group campaign with a 2-0 win over the Georgian side after strikes from Jéremy Pino and his teammate in the match venue. The result extended the European champions’ flawless run in the qualifiers, having notched eleven strikes in three matches without letting in a goal.

In spite of the absence of players such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and Rodri due to fitness issues, Luis de la Fuente’s side showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that spent most of the match defending deep. Spain dominated the encounter with more than 80% possession, and Georgia did not have a single attempt on target or generate a clear chance, with only shot-stopper their keeper preventing a heavy defeat.

The scorer broke the deadlock in the 24th minute from a expertly taken dead-ball move, and Oyarzabal wrapped up the win in the second period with a spectacular free kick after the Georgian keeper had saved a Spanish player’s penalty.

Additional Results

• The Turkish national team returned to winning ways with a 6-1 victory over Bulgaria to stay close to the group leaders in Group E. The Spanish club’s a young talent was among the goal-getters.
• The Italian squad improved their prospects of at least reaching the knockout stage with a 3-1 win away to the Estonian team, thanks to goals from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and a third scorer.

Gennaro Gattuso commented: “Our focus isn’t on Norway or our next opponents. We know our responsibilities.”

Italy failed to qualify for the last two global tournaments, on two occasions falling short in the playoffs, and the feared playoff path now looks their most likely chance after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive hammering over the Israeli side in their qualifying group. Norway are leading on 18 points from six games. Italy have 12 points with a game in hand on their competitors and are a trio of points ahead of their next opponents. The Estonian squad stay in fourth place on three points. The top teams advance automatically for the World Cup, with the second-placed sides going into the playoffs.

The Italian national team host Israel on Tuesday, where a victory would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically overtake Norway on points, the Norwegians’ far superior goal difference means a playoff spot probably beckons for the Italian squad.