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Rúben Neves came to the rescue for the Portuguese side with a dramatic decisive strike in their World Cup match against Ireland, after the Irish goalkeeper had denied a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Overview

The Wolves midfielder nodded in during added time to secure a slender victory, 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 well-earned point, but ultimately suffered defeat, despite regaining a significant amount of pride with a battling performance that overshadowed some of the memories of last month’s disappointing loss in Armenia.

Nevertheless, the loss leaves them staring down the barrel, with their first three Group F matches having yielded only a solitary point. They must beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any hope of securing a playoff place.

Major Incidents

• Kelleher looked to have secured Ireland a draw when he brilliantly saved Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s shot had struck an Irish defender’s arm.
• Neves came to his side’s rescue in the first minute of added time when he headed Trincão’s cross past the Irish goalkeeper.

Other Qualifying Outcomes

Portugal’s Group

The Hungarian team boosted their hopes of qualifying by picking up their initial victory with a 2-0 victory over Armenia, moving above their rivals into second place behind the group leaders in the standings. Daniel Lukacs provided Hungary the advantage in the first half and Zsombor Gruber secured the victory in late stoppage time.

England’s Group

Serbia suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Albania, with the result meaning the Three Lions can now seal their qualification from their qualifying group by beating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj scored the only goal for his team with a well-taken volley in late added time.

Latvia difficulties in Group K persisted as they were forced to a two-all draw at home by the Andorran team. Ian Olivera scored for the away side late on from time to claim them their initial draw of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s poor form to several matches.

Spain’s Group

The Spanish national team continued their dominant qualifying group campaign with a comfortable win over Georgia after strikes from Jéremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal in Elche. The result extended the title holders’ perfect record in qualifying, having notched 11 goals in three games without letting in a goal.

Despite the unavailability of key figures such as a talented winger, another forward, and Rodri due to injuries, the Spanish squad showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that passed the majority of the game defending deep. Spain dominated the encounter with over eighty percent of the ball, and Georgia did not have a single attempt on target or generate a clear chance, with only goalkeeper their keeper averting a rout.

Pino opened the scoring in the 24th minute from a expertly taken set-piece routine, and his compatriot wrapped up the victory in the 64th minute with a stunning free kick after Mamardashvili had denied a Spanish player’s spot-kick.

Additional Results

• The Turkish national team bounced back with a comprehensive victory over the Bulgarian side to keep the pressure on Spain in Group E. The Spanish club’s Arda Güler was among the scorers.
• The Italian squad improved their prospects of at least making the qualifying playoffs with a comfortable victory away to the Estonian team, thanks to strikes from Moise Kean, another attacker, and a third scorer.

The Italian coach said: “We’re not thinking about Norway or Israel. We know what we have to do.”

Italy failed to qualify for the previous two global tournaments, twice missing out in the playoffs, and the dreaded playoff path now looks their primary opportunity after Norway’s 5-0 hammering over the Israeli side in Group I. Norway are top on 18 points from six matches. Italy have twelve points with a match less played on their rivals and are three points clear of Israel. Estonia remain in fourth place 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 face their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically catch the group leaders on points, the Norwegians’ much better goal difference means a qualifying place likely beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.