🔗 Share this article Late Header from Neves Stuns the Irish Following Caoimhín Kelleher Stops Cristiano Ronaldo Spot-Kick Rúben Neves came to the rescue for Portugal with a last-gasp winner in their World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland, after the Irish goalkeeper had denied a penalty from the veteran forward. Game Overview The Wolves midfielder found the net during stoppage time to snatch a slender win, four years after Ronaldo had scored twice at the death to defeat a stubborn Ireland team. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men looked set to depart the Portuguese capital with a hard-fought draw, but ultimately suffered defeat, despite regaining a significant amount of pride with a gritty performance that erased some of the memories of last month’s disappointing loss in Armenia. However, the loss puts them facing elimination, with their initial trio of Group F matches having yielded only a solitary point. They need to defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any chance of securing a qualifying spot. Key Moments Kelleher seemed to have secured Ireland a point 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 opening moments of stoppage time when he directed a delivery from the wing past the Irish goalkeeper. Additional Qualifying Outcomes Group F Hungary enhanced their chances of qualifying by securing their first win with a 2-0 triumph over the Armenian side, moving above their rivals into second place behind Portugal in Group F. A Hungarian forward gave Hungary the advantage in the first half and a teammate secured the victory in late stoppage time. England’s Group The Serbian national team slipped to a narrow defeat at home to the Albanian squad, with the result meaning England can now secure their qualification from their qualifying group by beating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker netted the only goal for Albania with a well-taken volley in first-half stoppage time. Latvia difficulties in their group persisted as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by the Andorran team. Ian Olivera found the net for the visitors 12 minutes from time to earn them their first point of the qualifiers and extend Latvia’s winless run to five games. Spain’s Group The Spanish national team continued their dominant Group E campaign with a 2-0 victory over Georgia after strikes from a Spanish attacker and Mikel Oyarzabal in the match venue. The win continued the title holders’ flawless record in the qualifiers, having scored 11 goals in three games without letting in a goal. Despite the unavailability of players such as Lamine Yamal, another forward, and Rodri due to injuries, the Spanish squad demonstrated their dominance against a Georgian team that passed the majority of the game defending deep. The home side controlled the match with more than 80% possession, and Georgia did not have one shot on target or generate a scoring opportunity, with only shot-stopper their keeper averting a heavy defeat. Pino opened the scoring in the 24th minute from a expertly taken dead-ball move, and his compatriot wrapped up the victory in the second period with a stunning free kick after the Georgian keeper had denied Ferran Torres’s penalty. Additional Scores Turkey bounced back with a 6-1 thrashing over Bulgaria to stay close to Spain in their section. Real Madrid’s Arda Güler was among the scorers. Italy boosted their prospects of at least making the qualifying playoffs with a comfortable victory away to Estonia, 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 Israel. We know what we have to do.” Italy failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, twice missing out in the qualifying rounds, and the feared playoff path now looks their primary chance after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive win over Israel in their qualifying group. The Norwegians are top on eighteen points from six games. The Italians have 12 points with a match less played on their rivals and are a trio of points clear of Israel. Estonia remain in fourth place on three points. The top teams qualify directly for the World Cup, with the second-placed sides entering the playoffs. Italy host their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically catch the group leaders on points, the Norwegians’ far superior goal difference means a qualifying place likely beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.