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The Portuguese midfielder came to the rescue for Portugal with a dramatic winner in their World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, after Caoimhín Kelleher had denied a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Game Summary

The Wolves midfielder headed home during added time to snatch a slender triumph, four years after Ronaldo had scored twice at the death to overcome a resilient Ireland team.

The Irish squad appeared poised to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned point, but ultimately left empty-handed, despite regaining a good deal of honor with a gritty display that erased some of the recollections of last month’s embarrassing defeat in Armenia.

Nevertheless, the loss puts them facing elimination, with their first three qualifying group games having produced only a solitary draw. They must defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any hope of securing a qualifying spot.

Major Moments

• Kelleher looked to have secured Ireland a point when he brilliantly saved Ronaldo’s penalty with his outstretched foot after Francisco Trincão’s shot had struck an Irish defender’s hand.
• The match-winner came to his side’s rescue in the opening moments of added time when he directed Trincão’s cross past Kelleher.

Additional Qualifying Outcomes

Group F

Hungary boosted their hopes of advancing by picking up their first win with a two-goal victory over Armenia, climbing above their opponents into second place behind the group leaders in the standings. A Hungarian forward provided Hungary the advantage in the opening period and Zsombor Gruber secured the victory in late stoppage time.

Group K

Serbia suffered a narrow loss at home to the Albanian squad, with the outcome meaning England can now secure their passage from their qualifying group by beating Latvia on Tuesday. Rey Manaj netted the decisive strike for his team with a neat shot in first-half added time.

Latvia struggles in Group K persisted as they were held to a 2-2 tie at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player scored for the away side late on from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifiers and extend Latvia’s poor form to several matches.

Group E

Spain maintained their impressive qualifying group run with a comfortable victory over Georgia after strikes from a Spanish attacker and Mikel Oyarzabal in Elche. The result extended the European champions’ flawless record in qualifying, having scored eleven strikes in three matches without letting in a goal.

In spite of the unavailability of key figures such as a talented winger, another forward, and Rodri due to fitness issues, the Spanish squad showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that passed most of the match sitting back. Spain controlled the match with over eighty percent possession, and the visitors did not have one shot on target or generate a scoring opportunity, with only shot-stopper their keeper preventing a heavy defeat.

The scorer broke the deadlock in the first half from a expertly taken dead-ball move, and his compatriot wrapped up the victory in the 64th minute with a spectacular free kick after Mamardashvili had saved a Spanish player’s penalty.

Other Scores

• The Turkish national team returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over Bulgaria to keep the pressure on the group leaders in Group E. The Spanish club’s Arda Güler was among the goal-getters.
• Italy improved their hopes of at least making the knockout stage with a comfortable win away to the Estonian team, thanks to strikes from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and Francesco Pio Esposito.

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

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, twice missing out in the playoffs, and the feared playoff path now looks their primary opportunity after Norway’s 5-0 hammering over Israel in their qualifying group. The Norwegians are top on eighteen points from six games. Italy have 12 points with a match less played on their rivals and are three points clear of Israel. The Estonian squad stay fourth on three points. The top teams advance automatically for the tournament, with the runners-up going into the qualifying stage.

The Italian national team host their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would secure the runner-up position and, while they can still theoretically catch Norway on points, the Norwegians’ much better goal difference means a playoff spot likely awaits for the Italian squad.