🔗 Share this article

The Portuguese midfielder came to the rescue for the Portuguese side with a dramatic winning goal in their World Cup qualifying match against Ireland, following Caoimhín Kelleher had saved a spot-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Overview

The Wolves midfielder found the net during stoppage time to snatch a slender win, four years after the star striker had scored twice late on to overcome a stubborn Irish side.

The Irish squad looked set to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned point, but ultimately left empty-handed, despite regaining a good deal of pride with a battling display that erased some of the memories of last month’s disappointing defeat in Armenia.

Nevertheless, the loss leaves them in a difficult position, with their initial trio of qualifying group matches having produced only a solitary point. They need to defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any hope of securing a qualifying spot.

Key Moments

• Kelleher looked to have earned Ireland a point when he superbly kept out Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s shot had hit an Irish defender’s arm.
• Neves came to his side’s rescue in the first minute of added time when he directed a delivery from the wing past Kelleher.

Other Qualifying Results

Group F

The Hungarian team enhanced their chances of qualifying by picking up their initial victory with a 2-0 triumph over the Armenian side, climbing above their rivals into second place behind the group leaders in Group F. Daniel Lukacs provided Hungary the advantage in the opening period and Zsombor Gruber secured the victory in second-half stoppage time.

Group K

The Serbian national team suffered a narrow 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. Rey Manaj scored the decisive strike for Albania with a well-taken volley in late added time.

The Latvian side difficulties in Group K persisted as they were forced to a 2-2 tie at home by Andorra. An Andorran player scored for the visitors late on from time to claim them their first point of the qualifiers and prolong Latvia’s poor form to several matches.

Group E

The Spanish national team maintained their impressive qualifying group run with a comfortable win over the Georgian side after strikes from a Spanish attacker and his teammate in the match venue. The result extended the title holders’ perfect run in the qualifiers, having notched 11 goals in three games without letting in a goal.

In spite of the absence of players such as a talented winger, another forward, and Rodri due to injuries, the Spanish squad showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that spent most of the match defending deep. The home side controlled the match with more than 80% possession, and Georgia did not have a single attempt on target or create a clear chance, with only shot-stopper their keeper preventing a rout.

Pino opened the scoring in the first half from a well-executed dead-ball move, and his compatriot wrapped up the victory in the 64th minute with a spectacular free kick after the Georgian keeper had denied Ferran Torres’s spot-kick.

Other Results

• The Turkish national team bounced back with a 6-1 thrashing over Bulgaria to stay close to the group leaders in Group E. Real Madrid’s a young talent was among the goal-getters.
• The Italian squad improved their hopes of at least reaching the qualifying playoffs with a 3-1 victory away to the Estonian team, thanks to strikes from Moise Kean, another attacker, and a third scorer.

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

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the previous two global tournaments, twice falling short in the playoffs, and the dreaded playoff path now looks their most likely opportunity after the Norwegian team’s 5-0 win over Israel in Group I. The Norwegians are leading on 18 points from six games. Italy have 12 points with a game in hand on their competitors and are a trio of points ahead of Israel. Estonia remain in fourth place on three points. The top teams qualify directly for the World Cup, with the second-placed sides entering the qualifying stage.

The Italian national team host Israel on Tuesday, where a win would secure the runner-up position and, while they can still theoretically overtake Norway on the table, the leaders’ far superior goal ratio means a playoff spot likely awaits for the Italian squad.