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The Portuguese midfielder was the hero for Portugal with a dramatic winning goal in their World Cup qualifying match against Ireland, following Caoimhín Kelleher had saved a penalty from the veteran forward.

Match Summary

The Wolves midfielder nodded in during added time to secure a 1-0 victory, four years after the star striker had scored twice at the death to defeat a resilient Ireland team.

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

Nevertheless, the defeat leaves them staring down the barrel, with their first three Group F games having yielded only a single draw. They need to defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any hope of claiming a playoff spot.

Key Moments

• 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 effort had struck an Irish defender’s arm.
• Neves saved Portugal in the first minute of stoppage time when he directed Trincão’s cross past the Irish goalkeeper.

Additional Group Results

Group F

Hungary boosted their chances of qualifying by picking up their first win with a two-goal victory over Armenia, climbing above their rivals into the runner-up spot behind the group leaders in the standings. A Hungarian forward gave Hungary the advantage in the opening period and Zsombor Gruber made sure of the victory in second-half stoppage time.

Group K

The Serbian national team slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Albania, with the result meaning the Three Lions can now seal their qualification from Group K by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj netted the only goal for Albania with a well-taken volley in first-half stoppage time.

Latvia struggles in Group K persisted as they were forced to a 2-2 tie at home by the Andorran team. Ian Olivera scored for the visitors 12 minutes from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s winless run to several matches.

Spain’s Group

The Spanish national team continued their dominant qualifying group campaign with a comfortable win over the Georgian side after goals from a Spanish attacker and his teammate in Elche. The win continued the title holders’ flawless record in qualifying, having scored eleven strikes in three matches without conceding.

In spite of the unavailability of key figures such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and the midfield anchor due to fitness issues, Luis de la Fuente’s side showcased their dominance against a Georgia team that spent most of the match defending deep. Spain dominated the match with over eighty percent of the ball, and Georgia did not have a single attempt on target or create a clear chance, with only goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili averting a rout.

The scorer broke the deadlock in the first half from a expertly taken dead-ball move, and Oyarzabal wrapped up the win in the 64th minute with a spectacular free kick after Mamardashvili had denied a Spanish player’s spot-kick.

Additional Results

• The Turkish national team returned to winning ways with a comprehensive thrashing over Bulgaria to stay close to the group leaders in their section. Real Madrid’s a young talent was one of the scorers.
• The Italian squad boosted their prospects of at least making the knockout stage with a comfortable win away to Estonia, thanks to goals from a forward, another attacker, and a third scorer.

Gennaro Gattuso said: “Our focus isn’t on the group leaders or Israel. We know our responsibilities.”

Italy failed to qualify for the previous two global tournaments, on two occasions falling short in the playoffs, and the feared playoff path now appears their primary opportunity after Norway’s 5-0 win over the Israeli side in their qualifying group. Norway are top on eighteen 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 stay fourth on three points. The top teams advance automatically for the tournament, with the second-placed sides entering the playoffs.

Italy face their rivals on Tuesday, where a victory would secure second spot and, while they can still theoretically overtake the group leaders on points, the leaders’ much better goal difference means a qualifying place likely beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.