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Rúben Neves saved the day for the Portuguese side with a dramatic decisive strike in their World Cup qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland, following Caoimhín Kelleher had kept out a penalty from the veteran forward.

Game Summary

Neves headed home during added time to secure a 1-0 win, several seasons after the star striker had scored twice late on to defeat a stubborn Ireland team.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men looked set to leave Lisbon with a hard-fought draw, but in the end suffered defeat, despite regaining a good deal of pride with a battling performance that overshadowed some of the recollections of last month’s embarrassing defeat in Armenia.

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

Key Moments

• Kelleher seemed to have earned Ireland a point when he brilliantly kept out Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after Francisco Trincão’s effort had struck an Irish defender’s arm.
• Neves came to his side’s rescue in the first minute of added time when he directed Trincão’s cross past Kelleher.

Other Group Results

Portugal’s Group

Hungary boosted their hopes of advancing by securing their initial victory with a 2-0 triumph over Armenia, moving above their rivals into second place behind Portugal in Group F. A Hungarian forward gave Hungary the lead in the opening period and Zsombor Gruber made sure of the victory in late added time.

England’s Group

The Serbian national team suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Albania, with the outcome meaning the Three Lions can now secure their passage from their qualifying group by beating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker netted the decisive strike for his team with a well-taken volley in late added time.

The Latvian side struggles in Group K persisted as they were forced to a 2-2 draw at home by the Andorran team. Ian Olivera scored for the away side late on from time to claim them their first point of the qualifying campaign and extend Latvia’s winless run to five games.

Group E

Spain continued their impressive qualifying group campaign with a comfortable victory over the Georgian side after goals from a Spanish attacker and Mikel Oyarzabal in Elche. The win continued the European champions’ flawless run in qualifying, having scored 11 goals in three games without conceding.

Despite the unavailability of players such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and the midfield anchor due to injuries, Luis de la Fuente’s side demonstrated their dominance against a Georgia team that passed most of the match defending deep. The home side dominated the encounter with more than 80% possession, and the visitors did not have a single attempt on target or create a clear chance, with only goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili preventing a heavy defeat.

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

Other Scores

• Turkey returned to winning ways with a 6-1 victory over Bulgaria to keep the pressure on Spain in Group E. The Spanish club’s Arda Güler was one of the scorers.
• The Italian squad improved their prospects of at least making the qualifying playoffs with a 3-1 win away to Estonia, thanks to goals from Moise Kean, 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.”

The Azzurri missed out for the previous two global tournaments, twice missing out in the playoffs, and the dreaded backdoor route now appears their most likely opportunity after Norway’s comprehensive win over Israel in Group I. Norway are top on eighteen points from six matches. Italy have 12 points with a game in hand on their rivals and are a trio of points clear of their next opponents. Estonia stay fourth on three points. The top teams advance automatically for the tournament, with the runners-up entering the qualifying stage.

Italy host Israel on Tuesday, where a victory would cement the runner-up position and, while they can still theoretically overtake Norway on the table, the leaders’ much better goal difference means a qualifying place probably beckons for the Italian squad.