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Rúben Neves saved the day for Portugal with a injury-time winner in their World Cup qualifying clash against Ireland, following the Irish goalkeeper had kept out a penalty from the veteran forward.

Match Overview

The Wolves midfielder found the net during added time to claim a 1-0 win, several seasons after Ronaldo had scored twice at the death to overcome a stubborn Irish side.

The Irish squad looked set to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned point, but ultimately left empty-handed, despite restoring a good deal of pride with a gritty performance that overshadowed some of the recollections of last month’s disappointing defeat in Armenia.

However, the defeat puts them staring down the barrel, with their initial trio of Group F games having produced only a single point. They must defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any chance of claiming a qualifying spot.

Major Incidents

• The Liverpool keeper looked to have secured Ireland a point when he brilliantly saved Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s effort had struck Dara O’Shea’s hand.
• Neves saved Portugal in the opening moments of stoppage time when he headed Trincão’s cross past Kelleher.

Additional Group Results

Group F

The Hungarian team enhanced their chances of advancing by picking up their first win with a 2-0 triumph over Armenia, moving above their rivals into second place behind Portugal in the standings. Daniel Lukacs provided his team the advantage in the opening period and a teammate made sure of the points in second-half stoppage time.

Group K

The Serbian national team slipped to a narrow loss at home to the Albanian squad, with the result meaning the Three Lions can now secure their passage from Group K by beating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj netted the only goal for Albania with a neat shot in first-half stoppage time.

Latvia difficulties in their group continued as they were held to a two-all tie at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player scored for the visitors 12 minutes from time to earn them their first point of the qualifiers and prolong Latvia’s winless run to several matches.

Group E

Spain maintained their dominant Group E campaign with a comfortable victory over the Georgian side after goals from a Spanish attacker and his teammate in Elche. The result continued the title holders’ perfect run in qualifying, having scored 11 goals in three matches without letting in a goal.

In spite of the absence of players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and the midfield anchor due to injuries, the Spanish squad showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that passed the majority of the game sitting back. Spain dominated the match with more than 80% of the ball, and the visitors did not have one shot on target or create a scoring opportunity, with only goalkeeper their keeper averting a heavy defeat.

The scorer opened the scoring in the first half from a expertly taken set-piece routine, and his compatriot wrapped up the win in the 64th minute with a stunning free kick after the Georgian keeper had saved Ferran Torres’s penalty.

Additional Scores

• Turkey bounced back with a comprehensive victory over the Bulgarian side to keep the pressure on Spain in their section. Real Madrid’s Arda Güler was among the goal-getters.
• Italy improved their prospects of at least making the knockout stage with a 3-1 victory away to Estonia, thanks to goals from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and Francesco Pio Esposito.

The Italian coach commented: “We’re not thinking about the group leaders or our next opponents. We know our responsibilities.”

Italy missed out for the previous two global tournaments, on two occasions falling short in the playoffs, and the feared playoff path now appears their primary opportunity after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive win over the Israeli side in their qualifying group. Norway are leading on 18 points from six games. Italy have twelve points with a match less played on their rivals and are a trio of points ahead of Israel. The Estonian squad remain in fourth place on three points. The top teams advance automatically for the tournament, with the runners-up entering the playoffs.

Italy face Israel on Tuesday, where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still theoretically overtake Norway on points, the leaders’ far superior goal ratio means a qualifying place likely awaits for the Italian squad.