Late Strike from Neves Stuns the Irish After Kelleher Denies Ronaldo Spot-Kick

Rúben Neves was the hero for the Portuguese side with a injury-time decisive strike in their World Cup clash against the Republic of Ireland, following Caoimhín Kelleher had saved a spot-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Summary

The Wolves midfielder headed home during added time to claim a 1-0 victory, several seasons after Ronaldo had scored twice late on to overcome a resilient Ireland team.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men appeared poised to depart the Portuguese capital with a hard-fought draw, but in the end left empty-handed, despite restoring a good deal of pride with a gritty display that erased some of the memories of last month’s disappointing defeat in Armenia.

However, the defeat puts them staring down the barrel, with their initial trio of qualifying group matches having produced only a solitary draw. They must beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any chance of claiming a playoff place.

Key Moments

• Kelleher looked to have earned Ireland a point when he brilliantly kept out Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s effort had hit an Irish defender’s arm.
• The match-winner came to his side’s rescue in the opening moments of stoppage time when he headed Trincão’s cross past Kelleher.

Additional Qualifying Outcomes

Portugal’s Group

Hungary enhanced their hopes of advancing by securing their initial victory with a 2-0 victory over the Armenian side, climbing above their opponents into the runner-up spot behind the group leaders in the standings. A Hungarian forward gave Hungary the advantage in the first half and a teammate secured the victory in second-half added time.

England’s Group

Serbia suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to the Albanian squad, with the outcome meaning England can now secure their qualification from their qualifying group by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker netted the decisive strike for his team with a neat volley in first-half stoppage time.

Latvia difficulties in their group continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Andorra. Ian Olivera scored for the away side late on from time to earn them their first point of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s winless run to several matches.

Spain’s Group

Spain continued their dominant qualifying group run with a comfortable win over Georgia after strikes from Jéremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal in the match venue. The win extended the European champions’ perfect run in the qualifiers, having notched 11 goals in three matches without conceding.

In spite of the unavailability of key figures such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and the midfield anchor due to injuries, the Spanish squad showcased their dominance against a Georgian team that passed the majority of the game defending deep. Spain controlled the encounter with more than 80% of the ball, and Georgia did not have one shot on target or generate a clear chance, with only shot-stopper their keeper preventing a rout.

Pino opened the scoring in the first half from a well-executed set-piece move, and his compatriot secured the victory in the second period with a stunning set-piece after Mamardashvili had saved a Spanish player’s spot-kick.

Additional Results

• Turkey returned to winning ways with a comprehensive thrashing over the Bulgarian side to stay close to Spain in Group E. The Spanish club’s a young talent was one of the scorers.
• The Italian squad boosted their hopes of at least reaching the knockout stage with a 3-1 victory away to Estonia, thanks to goals from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and a third scorer.

Gennaro Gattuso said: “We’re not thinking about Norway 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 feared playoff path now appears their most likely opportunity after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive win over the Israeli side in Group I. Norway are leading on eighteen points from six games. Italy have 12 points with a match less played on their rivals and are a trio of points clear of Israel. Estonia stay fourth on three points. The top teams advance automatically for the tournament, with the runners-up going into the qualifying stage.

The Italian national team host Israel on Tuesday, where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically overtake Norway on points, the leaders’ far superior goal difference means a qualifying place probably beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.