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Rúben Neves was the hero for Portugal with a injury-time winning goal in their World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland, after the Irish goalkeeper had denied a spot-kick from the veteran forward.

Match Summary

Neves found the net during added time to claim a slender triumph, several seasons after the star striker had bagged a brace at the death to defeat a resilient Ireland team.

The Irish squad looked set to leave Lisbon with a hard-fought draw, but ultimately left empty-handed, despite regaining a good deal of pride with a gritty display that overshadowed some of the memories of last month’s disappointing defeat in Armenia.

However, the loss leaves them staring down the barrel, with their first three Group F games having produced only a solitary point. They need to beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any hope of securing a qualifying place.

Key Incidents

• Kelleher looked to have secured Ireland a draw when he brilliantly kept out Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s shot had hit an Irish defender’s arm.
• Neves saved Portugal in the first minute of added time when he directed a delivery from the wing past the Irish goalkeeper.

Additional Group Results

Group F

Hungary enhanced their hopes of qualifying by securing their initial victory with a two-goal triumph over the Armenian side, climbing above their opponents into the runner-up spot behind Portugal in the standings. Daniel Lukacs gave Hungary the advantage in the first half and a teammate secured the victory in second-half added time.

England’s Group

The Serbian national team suffered a narrow defeat at home to Albania, with the outcome meaning England can now secure their qualification 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 first-half stoppage time.

The Latvian side difficulties in their group continued as they were forced to a 2-2 tie at home by the Andorran team. Ian Olivera scored for the away side 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 qualifying group run with a comfortable victory over the Georgian side after goals from Jéremy Pino and his teammate in Elche. The result continued the European champions’ flawless record in qualifying, having scored eleven strikes in three matches without conceding.

Despite the absence of key figures such as a talented winger, another forward, and the midfield anchor due to injuries, Luis de la Fuente’s side showcased their dominance against a Georgia team that passed the majority of the game sitting back. The home side controlled the match with over eighty percent of the ball, and the visitors did not have a single attempt on target or generate a scoring opportunity, with only shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili preventing a heavy defeat.

Pino broke the deadlock in the first half from a well-executed dead-ball routine, and his compatriot secured the victory in the 64th minute with a stunning free kick after the Georgian keeper had denied Ferran Torres’s penalty.

Additional Scores

• The Turkish national team bounced back with a comprehensive victory over the Bulgarian side to stay close to Spain in their section. Real Madrid’s a young talent was one of the goal-getters.
• The Italian squad improved their prospects of at least reaching the qualifying playoffs with a 3-1 win away to the Estonian team, thanks to strikes from a forward, another attacker, and Francesco Pio Esposito.

The Italian coach commented: “Our focus isn’t on the group leaders or our next opponents. We are aware of our responsibilities.”

Italy failed to qualify for the last two global tournaments, on two occasions missing out in the playoffs, and the dreaded playoff path now appears their most likely opportunity after Norway’s comprehensive hammering over Israel in Group I. Norway are leading on 18 points from six matches. The Italians have 12 points with a match less played on their competitors and are a trio of points clear of Israel. Estonia remain in fourth place on three points. The top teams qualify directly for the tournament, with the runners-up going into the qualifying stage.

Italy host their rivals on Tuesday, where a victory would secure second spot and, while they can still theoretically catch Norway on points, the Norwegians’ far superior goal ratio means a playoff spot probably awaits for the Italian squad.