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Rúben Neves saved the day for the Portuguese side with a dramatic winner in their World Cup encounter against the Republic of Ireland, following the Irish goalkeeper had saved a spot-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Game Overview

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 well-earned point, but ultimately left empty-handed, despite restoring a good deal of pride with a battling display that erased some of the recollections of last month’s embarrassing loss in Armenia.

However, the defeat leaves them facing elimination, with their initial trio of qualifying group games having yielded only a solitary draw. They must beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any chance of claiming a playoff spot.

Major Incidents

• The Liverpool keeper seemed to have earned Ireland a point when he brilliantly saved Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his outstretched foot after Francisco Trincão’s shot had struck an Irish defender’s hand.
• Neves came to his side’s rescue in the first minute of added time when he directed Trincão’s cross past the Irish goalkeeper.

Additional Group Results

Portugal’s Group

Hungary enhanced their chances of advancing by securing their first win with a 2-0 victory over the Armenian side, moving above their rivals into the runner-up spot behind the group leaders in the standings. Daniel Lukacs gave Hungary the advantage in the opening period and Zsombor Gruber secured the victory in late stoppage time.

Group K

The Serbian national team slipped to a 1-0 loss at home to Albania, with the result meaning England can now secure their qualification from Group K by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj scored the only goal for Albania with a well-taken volley in first-half added time.

Latvia difficulties in Group K continued as they were forced to a 2-2 tie at home by Andorra. Ian Olivera scored for the away side 12 minutes from time to claim them their first point of the qualifiers and prolong Latvia’s poor form to five games.

Spain’s Group

The Spanish national team continued their dominant qualifying group run with a 2-0 victory over the Georgian side after strikes from Jéremy Pino and his teammate in Elche. The result extended the European champions’ perfect record in qualifying, having notched 11 goals in three games without conceding.

In spite of the absence of key figures such as a talented winger, another forward, and Rodri due to fitness issues, the Spanish squad showcased their superiority against a Georgian team that passed the majority of the game sitting back. Spain controlled the encounter with more than 80% possession, and Georgia did not have one shot on target or generate a clear chance, with only shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili preventing a heavy defeat.

Pino opened the scoring in the first half from a well-executed dead-ball routine, and Oyarzabal wrapped up the victory in the second period with a stunning set-piece after the Georgian keeper had saved a Spanish player’s penalty.

Additional Scores

• Turkey bounced back with a 6-1 victory over the Bulgarian side to keep the pressure on the group leaders in their section. The Spanish club’s Arda Güler was one of the scorers.
• Italy improved their prospects of at least reaching the qualifying playoffs with a comfortable victory away to the Estonian team, thanks to goals from Moise Kean, another attacker, and a third scorer.

The Italian coach commented: “We’re not thinking about the group leaders or our next opponents. We are aware of our responsibilities.”

Italy missed out for the last two World Cups, twice falling short in the qualifying rounds, and the dreaded backdoor route now appears their primary chance after Norway’s comprehensive hammering over Israel in Group I. Norway are leading on 18 points from six games. The Italians have 12 points with a game in hand on their competitors and are three points clear of their next opponents. The Estonian squad remain in fourth place on three points. The group winners qualify directly for the tournament, with the runners-up going into the playoffs.

Italy face their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would secure the runner-up position and, while they can still theoretically overtake Norway on points, the Norwegians’ much better goal difference means a playoff spot likely beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.