Stoppage-Time Strike from Neves Stuns Ireland Following Kelleher Stops Ronaldo Spot-Kick

Rúben Neves saved the day for Portugal with a injury-time winning goal in their World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, after Caoimhín Kelleher had denied a spot-kick from the veteran forward.

Match Summary

Neves headed home during injury time to secure a slender win, four years after the star striker had bagged a brace at the death to defeat a stubborn Irish side.

The Irish squad appeared poised to depart the Portuguese capital with a hard-fought point, but in the end suffered defeat, despite restoring a significant amount of honor with a gritty performance that overshadowed some of the recollections of last month’s disappointing defeat in Armenia.

However, the defeat puts them staring down the barrel, with their first three qualifying group games having produced only a solitary point. They must defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any hope of securing a qualifying place.

Major Moments

• Kelleher seemed to have earned Ireland a point when he brilliantly kept out Ronaldo’s penalty with his trailing leg after Francisco Trincão’s effort had struck Dara O’Shea’s hand.
• Neves came to his side’s rescue in the first minute of added time when he directed Trincão’s cross past Kelleher.

Other Qualifying Results

Portugal’s Group

The Hungarian team enhanced their chances of advancing by picking up their first win with a two-goal victory over the Armenian side, climbing above their opponents into the runner-up spot behind Portugal in the standings. A Hungarian forward provided Hungary the advantage in the opening period and Zsombor Gruber made sure of the points in late added time.

England’s Group

The Serbian national team suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to the Albanian squad, with the result meaning England can now secure their qualification from their qualifying group by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker scored the only goal for his team with a well-taken volley in late added time.

Latvia difficulties in Group K persisted as they were held to a two-all tie at home by Andorra. An Andorran player scored for the away side 12 minutes from time to claim them their first point of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s winless run to five games.

Spain’s Group

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

Despite the unavailability of players such as a talented winger, another forward, and the midfield anchor due to fitness issues, the Spanish squad showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that spent most of the match sitting back. The home side controlled the match with more than 80% possession, and the visitors did not have a single attempt on target or create a scoring opportunity, with only shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili averting a rout.

The scorer broke the deadlock in the first half from a expertly taken set-piece move, and Oyarzabal wrapped up the victory in the 64th minute with a stunning set-piece after the Georgian keeper had saved a Spanish player’s spot-kick.

Additional Results

• The Turkish national team bounced back with a comprehensive victory over the Bulgarian side to stay close to the group leaders in their section. The Spanish club’s a young talent was among the goal-getters.
• Italy improved their hopes of at least reaching the knockout stage with a comfortable victory away to the Estonian team, thanks to strikes from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and a third scorer.

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

Italy missed out for the previous two World Cups, twice missing out in the qualifying rounds, and the dreaded playoff path now appears their most likely opportunity after Norway’s 5-0 win over Israel in Group I. The Norwegians are leading on eighteen points from six matches. Italy have twelve points with a game in hand on their competitors and are a trio of points clear of Israel. Estonia remain fourth on three points. The group winners advance automatically for the World Cup, with the second-placed sides entering the playoffs.

The Italian national team host Israel on Tuesday, where a victory would cement the runner-up position and, while they can still mathematically catch Norway on points, the leaders’ much better goal ratio means a playoff spot probably awaits for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.