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The Portuguese midfielder was the hero for Portugal with a dramatic winner in their World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland, following the Irish goalkeeper had saved a spot-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Summary

Neves headed home during stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 victory, several seasons after the star striker had scored twice late on to defeat a stubborn Irish side.

The Irish squad looked set to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned draw, but ultimately suffered defeat, despite restoring a good deal of honor with a battling display that erased some of the recollections of last month’s disappointing defeat in Armenia.

However, the defeat puts them facing elimination, with their initial trio of Group F games having produced only a single point. They must beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any hope of securing a playoff place.

Key Moments

• Kelleher seemed to have earned Ireland a draw when he superbly kept out Ronaldo’s penalty with his trailing leg after a Portuguese player’s effort had struck Dara O’Shea’s arm.
• The match-winner saved Portugal in the first minute of stoppage time when he directed a delivery from the wing past the Irish goalkeeper.

Other Qualifying Outcomes

Portugal’s Group

The Hungarian team enhanced their chances of advancing by picking up their initial victory with a 2-0 victory over Armenia, climbing above their rivals into second place behind the group leaders in the standings. Daniel Lukacs provided Hungary the lead in the opening period and a teammate secured the victory in second-half stoppage time.

England’s Group

The Serbian national team suffered a narrow defeat at home to Albania, with the result meaning England can now secure their qualification from their qualifying group by beating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj scored the only goal for Albania with a neat shot in late added time.

Latvia struggles in their group persisted as they were forced to a two-all draw at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player found the net for the away side 12 minutes from time to earn them their first point of the qualifiers and prolong Latvia’s poor form to five games.

Spain’s Group

The Spanish national team continued their impressive qualifying group campaign with a comfortable victory over the Georgian side after strikes from a Spanish attacker and his teammate in Elche. The result extended the European champions’ perfect run in qualifying, having scored 11 goals in three games without letting in a goal.

Despite the absence of players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Rodri due to injuries, Luis de la Fuente’s side showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that passed the majority of the game sitting back. The home side dominated the encounter with over eighty percent possession, and Georgia did not have a single attempt on target or create a scoring opportunity, with only goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili averting a rout.

Pino broke the deadlock in the 24th minute from a well-executed set-piece move, and his compatriot secured the victory in the 64th minute with a spectacular set-piece after the Georgian keeper had denied a Spanish player’s spot-kick.

Additional Scores

• Turkey returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over the Bulgarian side to keep the pressure on the group leaders in their section. The Spanish club’s a young talent was one of the goal-getters.
• Italy boosted their prospects of at least making the qualifying playoffs with a comfortable win away to the Estonian team, thanks to goals from a forward, another attacker, and a third scorer.

The Italian coach commented: “Our focus isn’t on the group leaders or our next opponents. We know our responsibilities.”

Italy missed out for the previous two World Cups, twice missing out in the qualifying rounds, and the feared backdoor route now appears their most likely chance after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive hammering over Israel in their qualifying group. Norway are leading on 18 points from six matches. Italy have 12 points with a game in hand on their competitors and are three 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.

Italy host their rivals on Tuesday, where a victory would secure second spot and, while they can still theoretically catch the group leaders on points, the Norwegians’ far superior goal ratio means a qualifying place probably awaits for the Italian squad.