FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying tournament: Last-gasp winner Neves keeps Portugal on course

Portuguese Ruben Neves scored a goal in stoppage time to record a 1-0 victory over Ireland, who maintained their 100 percent record in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group F and consolidated top spot on Saturday.

Portugal climbed to nine points midway through the season with a five-point lead over second-placed Hungary, which they host on Tuesday when they were able to qualify.

AS IT HAPPENED | HIGHLIGHTS Portugal vs Ireland

Neves headed home a minute into extra time at the Estadio Jose Alvalade for his first international goal in 60 appearances.

It was a moving tribute to close friend Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in July and whose number 21 jersey Neves wore in Portugal’s first home game since the Liverpool player’s death.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a penalty saved in the 75th minute as Ireland threatened to hold the hosts to a draw, but the late strike kept the Irish bottom of the table with one point.

Neves stood up and headed in Francisco Trincao’s cross, reaching the ball in front of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

It will have been a relief for Portugal, who had a frustrating evening in crushing resolute Irish resistance.

It was a tough night for Ronaldo in his 50th World Cup qualifier when he hit the base of the post in the 17th minute with a left-footed snap from just inside the penalty area, the rebound falling perfectly for Bernardo Silva, who inexplicably pushed his effort wide.

The 40-year-old captain had another chance in the 70th minute when Nuno Mendes put him into the penalty area with a square pass, but Ronaldo had the wrong angle and shot wide.

RONALDO SAVED PENALTY

Five minutes later he was given the chance to open the scoring when defender Dara O’Shea was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area as he rushed to block a Trincao effort that appeared to hit him on the chest rather than the arm.

However, it was checked after Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak awarded a penalty and Ronaldo smashed the penalty down the middle, but Kelleher got a trailing foot to the ball and managed to kick it away for a remarkable save.

It was the closest Ronaldo came to setting a new record of 40 goals in World Cup qualifiers and ended a run of five consecutive caps in which he scored.

The excellent Kelleher also made several key stops as Ireland were under almost constant siege with their tall defenders, particularly captain Nathan Collins, proving their worth.

«It’s a painful and heartbreaking result,» Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said. «Our plan worked with excellent teamwork. We put a lot of energy into this match.»

Earlier on Saturday, Hungary defeated Armenia 2-0 in Budapest to become second with four points, while Armenia has three.

Published on October 12, 2025