🔗 Share this article

The Portuguese midfielder saved the day for the Portuguese side with a last-gasp winner in their World Cup match against Ireland, after the Irish goalkeeper had denied a spot-kick from the veteran forward.

Match Summary

The Wolves midfielder headed home during added time to snatch a 1-0 triumph, several seasons after the star striker had bagged a brace at the death to defeat a stubborn Ireland team.

The Irish squad appeared poised to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned point, but ultimately left empty-handed, despite regaining a significant amount of honor with a gritty performance that overshadowed some of the recollections of last month’s embarrassing defeat in Armenia.

However, the loss puts them staring down the barrel, with their first three Group F matches having yielded only a solitary point. They need to defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any chance of securing a qualifying spot.

Major Moments

• Kelleher looked to have earned Ireland a point when he superbly kept out Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his trailing leg after a Portuguese player’s effort had hit Dara O’Shea’s arm.
• Neves saved Portugal in the opening moments of stoppage time when he headed Trincão’s cross past Kelleher.

Other Group Outcomes

Group F

Hungary enhanced their hopes of qualifying by picking up their initial victory with a two-goal victory over the Armenian side, moving above their rivals into the runner-up spot behind the group leaders in the standings. A Hungarian forward gave his team the advantage in the opening period and a teammate secured the points in second-half added time.

England’s Group

Serbia suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Albania, with the outcome meaning the Three Lions can now seal their passage from Group K by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker netted the decisive strike for his team with a well-taken shot in first-half added time.

The Latvian side difficulties in their group persisted as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player scored for the visitors late on from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s poor form to several matches.

Spain’s Group

Spain continued their dominant Group E run with a 2-0 win over the Georgian side after strikes from a Spanish attacker and Mikel Oyarzabal in the match venue. The result extended the title holders’ perfect run in the qualifiers, having notched eleven strikes in three games without letting in a goal.

Despite the unavailability of players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Rodri due to injuries, the Spanish squad showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that spent the majority of the game defending deep. The home side dominated the match 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 Giorgi Mamardashvili averting a heavy defeat.

The scorer broke the deadlock in the 24th minute from a well-executed set-piece routine, and his compatriot secured the win in the second period with a spectacular set-piece after the Georgian keeper had denied a Spanish player’s penalty.

Other Scores

• The Turkish national team returned to winning ways with a 6-1 thrashing over the Bulgarian side to stay close to the group leaders in Group E. Real Madrid’s a young talent was among the goal-getters.
• Italy improved their prospects of at least making the knockout stage with a comfortable victory away to the Estonian team, thanks to goals from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and Francesco Pio Esposito.

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

Italy missed out for the last two global tournaments, on two occasions missing out in the qualifying rounds, and the dreaded playoff path now looks their most likely opportunity after the Norwegian team’s 5-0 hammering over the Israeli side in Group I. The Norwegians are top on 18 points from six games. The Italians have twelve points with a game in hand on their rivals and are three points ahead of Israel. Estonia remain fourth on three points. The group winners advance automatically for the tournament, with the second-placed sides entering the playoffs.

The Italian national team host their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still theoretically catch the group leaders on the table, the Norwegians’ much better goal difference means a qualifying place probably awaits for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.