🔗 Share this article Stoppage-Time Header from Rúben Neves Sinks Ireland After Caoimhín Kelleher Stops Cristiano Ronaldo Spot-Kick Rúben Neves was the hero for Portugal with a last-gasp winner in their World Cup clash against Ireland, after Caoimhín Kelleher had kept out a spot-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo. Match Overview Neves nodded in during stoppage time to snatch a slender win, several seasons after the star striker had scored twice at the death to defeat a stubborn Irish side. The Irish squad appeared poised to leave Lisbon with a well-earned point, but ultimately suffered defeat, despite restoring a good deal of pride with a battling display that erased some of the memories of last month’s embarrassing defeat in Armenia. Nevertheless, the defeat puts them in a difficult position, with their initial trio of qualifying group games having produced only a solitary point. They need to beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any hope of securing a playoff place. Key Moments The Liverpool keeper seemed to have earned Ireland a point when he superbly saved Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his trailing leg after a Portuguese player’s shot had struck Dara O’Shea’s hand. The match-winner came to his side’s rescue in the opening moments of stoppage time when he directed a delivery from the wing past Kelleher. Other Group Results Group F Hungary enhanced their chances of qualifying by picking up their first win with a two-goal triumph over the Armenian side, moving above their rivals into second place behind Portugal in the standings. A Hungarian forward provided his team the advantage in the opening period and a teammate secured the victory in late stoppage time. Group K Serbia slipped to a 1-0 loss at home to Albania, with the outcome meaning the Three Lions can now secure their passage from Group K by beating 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 their group persisted as they were held to a two-all draw at home by the Andorran team. Ian Olivera scored for the away side late on from time to claim them their initial draw of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s winless run to several matches. Spain’s Group The Spanish national team maintained their dominant Group E campaign with a comfortable victory over the Georgian side after goals from Jéremy Pino and his teammate in the match venue. The win extended the title holders’ flawless run in the qualifiers, having scored 11 goals in three matches without conceding. Despite the unavailability of key figures such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and Rodri due to injuries, the Spanish squad showcased their dominance against a Georgian team that passed most of the match sitting back. The home side dominated the match with over eighty percent of the ball, and the visitors did not have a single attempt on target or generate a scoring opportunity, with only goalkeeper their keeper averting a rout. Pino broke the deadlock in the 24th minute from a well-executed set-piece move, and his compatriot wrapped up the victory in the second period with a spectacular free kick after Mamardashvili had denied a Spanish player’s penalty. Additional Scores Turkey returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over Bulgaria to keep the pressure on Spain in their section. Real Madrid’s a young talent was one of the scorers. Italy improved their hopes of at least reaching the knockout stage with a comfortable win away to the Estonian team, thanks to goals from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and Francesco Pio Esposito. The Italian coach said: “We’re not thinking about the group leaders or Israel. We are aware of our responsibilities.” Italy missed out for the previous two World Cups, on two occasions missing out in the qualifying rounds, and the feared backdoor route now looks their most likely opportunity after Norway’s comprehensive win over the Israeli side in their qualifying group. The Norwegians are top on 18 points from six games. Italy have twelve points with a match less played on their rivals and are a trio of points clear of their next opponents. Estonia stay fourth on three points. The top teams advance automatically for the World Cup, with the runners-up entering the qualifying stage. The Italian national team face their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would cement the runner-up position and, while they can still mathematically catch Norway on points, the leaders’ far superior goal ratio means a playoff spot likely awaits for the Italian squad.