🔗 Share this article

The Portuguese midfielder was the hero for the Portuguese side with a last-gasp decisive strike in their World Cup encounter 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 added time to claim a 1-0 triumph, several seasons after the star striker had scored twice late on to defeat a resilient Ireland team.

The Irish squad looked set to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned draw, but ultimately left empty-handed, despite restoring a significant amount of honor with a gritty display that overshadowed some of the recollections of last month’s disappointing loss in Armenia.

However, the loss puts them facing elimination, with their initial trio of qualifying group games having produced only a single point. They need to beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to maintain any hope of securing a qualifying spot.

Key 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 Dara O’Shea’s arm.
• The match-winner saved Portugal in the opening moments of stoppage time when he directed Trincão’s cross past Kelleher.

Other Group Outcomes

Group F

Hungary boosted their chances of advancing by picking up their first win with a 2-0 triumph over the Armenian side, climbing above their opponents into the runner-up spot behind Portugal in Group F. Daniel Lukacs gave Hungary the advantage in the first half and Zsombor Gruber made sure of the victory in second-half added time.

England’s Group

Serbia suffered a narrow defeat at home to the Albanian squad, with the result meaning England can now seal their qualification from Group K by defeating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj netted the only goal for Albania with a neat volley in first-half stoppage time.

The Latvian side difficulties in Group K persisted as they were forced to a two-all draw at home by Andorra. An Andorran player found the net for the visitors late on from time to claim them their first point of the qualifiers and extend Latvia’s poor form to five games.

Group E

The Spanish national team continued their impressive qualifying group campaign with a comfortable win over Georgia after strikes from Jéremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal in the match venue. The result extended the title holders’ flawless record in qualifying, having notched 11 goals in three games without conceding.

Despite the absence of key figures such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and the midfield anchor due to injuries, Luis de la Fuente’s side showcased their dominance against a Georgia team that spent the majority of the game sitting back. The home side controlled the match with more than 80% possession, and the visitors did not have one shot on target or create a clear chance, with only goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili preventing a rout.

The scorer broke the deadlock in the first half from a well-executed dead-ball routine, and Oyarzabal secured the win in the 64th minute with a spectacular free kick after Mamardashvili had saved a Spanish player’s spot-kick.

Other Results

• The Turkish national team bounced back with a comprehensive thrashing over the Bulgarian side to keep the pressure on Spain in Group E. The Spanish club’s Arda Güler was among the goal-getters.
• Italy improved their hopes of at least reaching the qualifying playoffs with a comfortable win away to Estonia, thanks to strikes from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui, and a third scorer.

The Italian coach commented: “Our focus isn’t on Norway or Israel. We are aware of what we have to do.”

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the last two global tournaments, on two occasions missing out in the playoffs, and the feared backdoor route now appears their most likely opportunity after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive win over the Israeli side in their qualifying group. The Norwegians are top on 18 points from six matches. Italy have 12 points with a match less played on their competitors and are a trio of points ahead of Israel. The Estonian squad stay in fourth place on three points. The group winners advance automatically for the tournament, with the second-placed sides entering the playoffs.

The Italian national team face their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically overtake the group leaders on the table, the leaders’ far superior goal difference means a playoff spot probably beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.