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Rúben Neves came to the rescue for Portugal with a dramatic winner in their World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, after the Irish goalkeeper had denied a penalty from the veteran forward.

Match Overview

The Wolves midfielder found the net during injury time to snatch a slender victory, four years after Ronaldo had scored twice late on to overcome a stubborn Ireland team.

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

Nevertheless, the defeat leaves them staring down the barrel, with their initial trio of Group F games having produced only a solitary point. They must beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any chance of securing a playoff place.

Key Incidents

• The Liverpool keeper looked to have earned Ireland a point when he brilliantly kept out Ronaldo’s penalty with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s shot had struck Dara O’Shea’s hand.
• Neves saved Portugal in the opening moments of added time when he headed a delivery from the wing past Kelleher.

Additional Qualifying Results

Group F

The Hungarian team enhanced their hopes of advancing by securing their first win with a two-goal triumph over Armenia, climbing above their opponents into the runner-up spot behind the group leaders in Group F. A Hungarian forward provided Hungary the advantage in the opening period and a teammate made sure of the victory in second-half stoppage time.

Group K

The Serbian national team suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Albania, with the result meaning England can now seal their qualification from their qualifying group by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj scored the only goal for Albania with a well-taken volley in first-half stoppage time.

Latvia struggles in Group K persisted as they were forced to a two-all draw at home by Andorra. An Andorran player scored for the visitors late on from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifying campaign and extend Latvia’s winless run to several matches.

Spain’s Group

Spain continued their impressive qualifying group campaign with a 2-0 victory over Georgia after strikes from a Spanish attacker and Mikel Oyarzabal in Elche. The win extended the title holders’ flawless run in qualifying, having notched 11 goals in three matches without letting in a goal.

Despite the absence of players such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and the midfield anchor due to injuries, the Spanish squad demonstrated their superiority against a Georgian team that passed the majority of the game sitting back. Spain dominated the encounter with more than 80% possession, and the visitors did not have one shot on target or generate a scoring opportunity, with only goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili preventing a heavy defeat.

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

Other Scores

• The Turkish national team returned to winning ways with a comprehensive thrashing over Bulgaria to keep the pressure on Spain in their section. The Spanish club’s Arda Güler was one of the scorers.
• Italy improved their prospects of at least reaching the knockout stage with a 3-1 victory away to Estonia, thanks to strikes from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui, and Francesco Pio Esposito.

Gennaro Gattuso said: “We’re not thinking about the group leaders or our next opponents. We are aware of what we have to do.”

The Azzurri missed out for the last two global tournaments, twice falling short in the qualifying rounds, and the dreaded backdoor route now appears their primary opportunity after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive win over the Israeli side in Group I. Norway are leading on eighteen points from six matches. The Italians have 12 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 playoffs.

The Italian national team face Israel on Tuesday, where a victory would secure second spot and, while they can still mathematically catch the group leaders on points, the leaders’ far superior goal difference means a qualifying place likely awaits for the Italian squad.