🔗 Share this article Late Goal from Rúben Neves Sinks Ireland Following Caoimhín Kelleher Stops Cristiano Ronaldo Spot-Kick Rúben Neves was the hero for the Portuguese side with a last-gasp winning goal in their World Cup clash against the Republic of Ireland, after Caoimhín Kelleher had kept out a spot-kick from the veteran forward. Game Overview Neves nodded in during stoppage time to secure a 1-0 triumph, four years after the star striker had scored twice late on to defeat a resilient Irish side. The Irish squad looked set to depart the Portuguese capital with a well-earned draw, but in the end left empty-handed, despite regaining a significant amount of pride with a gritty display that erased some of the memories of last month’s embarrassing loss in Armenia. Nevertheless, the loss puts them staring down the barrel, with their initial trio of qualifying group matches having produced only a single point. They need to defeat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any hope of claiming a qualifying place. Major Incidents Kelleher seemed to have earned Ireland a point when he brilliantly kept out Ronaldo’s spot-kick with his trailing leg after Francisco Trincão’s effort had struck an Irish defender’s hand. Neves came to his side’s rescue in the first minute of stoppage time when he headed a delivery from the wing past Kelleher. Other Qualifying Results Portugal’s Group Hungary enhanced their hopes of advancing by securing their initial victory with a two-goal triumph over Armenia, climbing above their opponents into second place behind the group leaders in the standings. A Hungarian forward gave Hungary the advantage in the first half and a teammate made sure of the points in late stoppage time. Group K Serbia suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to the Albanian squad, with the outcome meaning England can now seal their qualification from Group K by beating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker scored the only goal for Albania with a well-taken shot in first-half added time. Latvia struggles in their group continued as they were forced to a two-all draw at home by the Andorran team. An Andorran player scored for the visitors late on from time to earn them their initial draw of the qualifiers and prolong Latvia’s poor form to several matches. Group E Spain maintained their impressive qualifying group campaign with a comfortable win over Georgia after goals from Jéremy Pino and his teammate in the match venue. The result continued the title holders’ flawless run in qualifying, having scored 11 goals in three games without conceding. In spite of the absence of players such as a talented winger, another forward, and Rodri due to fitness issues, Luis de la Fuente’s side showcased their dominance against a Georgia team that spent most of the match defending deep. Spain dominated the encounter with more than 80% of the ball, and the visitors did not have a single attempt on target or generate a scoring opportunity, with only goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili preventing a heavy defeat. The scorer opened the scoring in the 24th minute from a expertly taken dead-ball routine, 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. Additional Results Turkey returned to winning ways with a 6-1 victory over Bulgaria to keep the pressure on Spain in their section. The Spanish club’s Arda Güler was among the scorers. The Italian squad improved their hopes of at least making the qualifying playoffs with a 3-1 win away to the Estonian team, thanks to goals from Moise Kean, another attacker, and a third scorer. The Italian coach said: “We’re not thinking about Norway or our next opponents. We are aware of our responsibilities.” Italy missed out for the last two World Cups, twice missing out in the playoffs, and the dreaded backdoor route now looks their primary chance after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive hammering over Israel in Group I. Norway are top on 18 points from six matches. Italy have 12 points with a match less played on their rivals and are three points ahead of Israel. Estonia remain in fourth place on three points. The top teams qualify directly for the tournament, with the second-placed sides entering the playoffs. The Italian national team host their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would cement the runner-up position and, while they can still mathematically catch the group leaders on points, the Norwegians’ far superior goal difference means a playoff spot probably beckons for the Italian squad.