🔗 Share this article

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 the Irish goalkeeper had saved a penalty from the veteran forward.

Match Summary

The Wolves midfielder headed home during added time to snatch a slender victory, four years after the star striker had bagged a brace at the death to overcome a resilient Irish side.

The Irish squad appeared poised to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned draw, but in the end suffered defeat, despite regaining a good deal of honor with a battling performance that overshadowed some of the recollections of last month’s embarrassing loss in Armenia.

Nevertheless, the loss leaves them in a difficult position, with their first three qualifying group games having yielded only a solitary draw. They must beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any hope of claiming a qualifying place.

Major Moments

• The Liverpool keeper seemed to have secured Ireland a point when he brilliantly saved Ronaldo’s penalty with his outstretched foot after a Portuguese player’s effort had hit Dara O’Shea’s hand.
• The match-winner saved Portugal in the first minute of added time when he directed Trincão’s cross past the Irish goalkeeper.

Additional Group Outcomes

Group F

Hungary enhanced their hopes of qualifying by securing their first win with a 2-0 victory over Armenia, moving above their rivals into second place behind Portugal in the standings. A Hungarian forward provided his team the lead in the first half and a teammate secured the victory in second-half stoppage time.

England’s Group

Serbia suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Albania, with the outcome meaning the Three Lions can now secure their qualification from Group K by beating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker scored the only goal for his team with a well-taken volley in late added time.

Latvia struggles in Group K persisted as they were forced to a 2-2 tie at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player found the net for the away side 12 minutes from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifiers and prolong Latvia’s poor form to several matches.

Spain’s Group

Spain continued their impressive Group E run with a comfortable victory over the Georgian side after strikes from a Spanish attacker and Mikel Oyarzabal in Elche. The result extended the European champions’ perfect run in the qualifiers, having notched eleven strikes in three matches without letting in a goal.

In spite of the unavailability of players such as Lamine Yamal, another forward, and the midfield anchor 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 dominated the match with more than 80% possession, and the visitors did not have a single attempt on target or create a clear chance, with only goalkeeper their keeper averting a heavy defeat.

The scorer broke the deadlock in the 24th minute from a expertly taken dead-ball move, and Oyarzabal secured the win in the 64th minute with a stunning set-piece after the Georgian keeper had saved a Spanish player’s spot-kick.

Additional Scores

• Turkey returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over the Bulgarian side to keep the pressure on Spain in their section. Real Madrid’s Arda Güler was one of the scorers.
• The Italian squad improved their hopes of at least making the qualifying playoffs with a comfortable victory away to Estonia, thanks to strikes from a forward, Mateo Retegui, and Francesco Pio Esposito.

The Italian coach commented: “Our focus isn’t on the group leaders or our next opponents. We are aware of our responsibilities.”

The Azzurri missed out for the last two World Cups, on two occasions falling short in the playoffs, and the feared playoff path now appears their primary chance after Norway’s 5-0 hammering over the Israeli side in their qualifying group. The Norwegians are leading on 18 points from six matches. Italy have twelve points with a game in hand on their rivals and are a trio of points clear of Israel. Estonia stay fourth on three points. The group winners qualify directly for the tournament, with the second-placed sides entering the qualifying stage.

The Italian national team host Israel on Tuesday, where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically overtake Norway on points, the leaders’ far superior goal difference means a playoff spot likely beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.