🔗 Share this article

The Portuguese midfielder came to the rescue for Portugal with a last-gasp winning goal in their World Cup qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland, after the Irish goalkeeper had denied a spot-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Game Overview

The Wolves midfielder found the net during injury time to secure a 1-0 win, four years after Ronaldo had bagged a brace at the death to overcome a resilient Ireland team.

The Irish squad appeared poised to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned draw, but ultimately left empty-handed, despite restoring a good deal of pride with a gritty display that erased some of the recollections of last month’s disappointing defeat in Armenia.

However, the loss leaves them facing elimination, with their first three qualifying group games having yielded only a solitary draw. They need to defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any hope of claiming a playoff place.

Key Moments

• The Liverpool keeper looked to have earned Ireland a point when he brilliantly saved Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s effort had hit Dara O’Shea’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

Group F

The Hungarian team boosted their hopes of qualifying by securing their first win with a 2-0 victory over the Armenian side, climbing above their opponents into second place behind Portugal in Group F. Daniel Lukacs provided Hungary the lead in the first half and Zsombor Gruber secured the victory in second-half added time.

Group K

Serbia slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to the Albanian squad, with the outcome meaning England can now seal their qualification from Group K by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker scored the decisive strike for Albania with a neat volley in late added time.

The Latvian side difficulties in Group K persisted as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player found the net for the visitors 12 minutes from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifiers and extend Latvia’s winless run to several matches.

Spain’s Group

The Spanish national team continued their impressive Group E campaign with a 2-0 victory over Georgia after goals from a Spanish attacker and his teammate in Elche. The result extended the title holders’ flawless run in the qualifiers, having scored 11 goals in three games without conceding.

In spite of the unavailability of players such as a talented winger, another forward, and Rodri due to fitness issues, the Spanish squad showcased their dominance against a Georgian team that spent the majority of the game sitting back. Spain dominated the match with over eighty percent possession, and the visitors did not have a single attempt on target or generate a clear chance, with only goalkeeper their keeper preventing a rout.

The scorer opened the scoring in the first half from a well-executed set-piece routine, and his compatriot wrapped up the victory in the 64th minute with a stunning free kick after Mamardashvili had saved a Spanish player’s penalty.

Other Scores

• Turkey returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over the Bulgarian side to stay close to the group leaders in Group E. The Spanish club’s Arda Güler was one of the scorers.
• The Italian squad boosted their prospects of at least reaching the qualifying playoffs with a comfortable win away to the Estonian team, thanks to goals from a forward, another attacker, and a third scorer.

Gennaro Gattuso commented: “Our focus isn’t on the group leaders or Israel. We are aware of our responsibilities.”

Italy missed out for the previous two World Cups, on two occasions missing out in the qualifying rounds, and the dreaded playoff path now looks their most likely opportunity after Norway’s 5-0 win over the Israeli side in Group I. Norway are leading on 18 points from six matches. The Italians have twelve points with a match less played on their competitors and are a trio of points ahead of Israel. Estonia stay in fourth place on three points. The top teams advance automatically for the World Cup, with the runners-up entering the qualifying stage.

The Italian national team host Israel on Tuesday, where a win would cement the runner-up position and, while they can still theoretically catch Norway on points, the leaders’ much better goal ratio means a qualifying place likely beckons for the Italian squad.