Portugal left it late but kept their flawless World Cup qualifying run intact after Rúben Neves struck deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic 1-0 win over a tough Republic of Ireland side in Lisbon, a result that leaves the visitors’ hopes of reaching their first World Cup since 2002 hanging by a thread, Softfootball reports.
Fresh off a thrilling 3-2 win over Hungary in the last international break, Portugal came into this clash brimming with confidence. But Roberto Martínez’s men quickly discovered this would be anything but easy. Ireland set up with courage and discipline, throwing bodies on the line and frustrating the hosts from the start. Cristiano Ronaldo came closest early on, crashing a fierce effort off the post, before Bernardo Silva somehow fired the rebound wide.
Ireland weren’t just passengers either. Jayson Molumby’s strike midway through the first half reminded Portugal they couldn’t switch off, though it was still the home side doing most of the pressing. Kelleher had to be sharp to tip Vitinha’s deflected strike onto the roof of the net, and then pulled off a superb double save to deny Gonçalo Inácio and Bruno Fernandes before half-time. Somehow, the Irish went into the break level and deservedly so for their brilliant performance.
The second half followed the same script, Portugal on the front foot, Ireland holding on for dear life. Ronaldo flashed two efforts wide in quick succession, while Neves forced Kelleher into another fine stop with a curling shot from distance.
With 15 minutes left, it seemed Portugal would finally break through when Dara O’Shea was harshly judged to have handled inside the box. But Kelleher, having the night of his life, guessed right to deny Ronaldo’s penalty with his foot ,a save that briefly silenced the Estádio da Luz.
Just when it looked like Ireland’s heroic stand would earn them a famous point, heartbreak struck. Deep into added time, substitute Francisco Trincão swung in a brilliant cross, and Rúben Neves met it perfectly, his header going into the bottom corner for his first-ever world cup qualifying goal.
After the game Portugal via its official X handle posted the video celebration of the match winner Ruben Neves, which was dedicated to his best friend, the late Diogo jota who died in a car accident earlier this year, watch the video below:
The roar that followed the full time whistle said it all. For Portugal, it was relief and celebration from having six wins from six and growing belief under Martínez. For Ireland, it was pure devastation after giving everything, only to be undone just before the final whistle.
