Portugal Secures Victory Over Ireland Despite Ronaldo Penalty Miss,Advances in World Cup Qualifying
LISBON,Portugal – A late goal from Ruben Neves secured a 1-0 victory for Portugal against Ireland Saturday at the Alvalade stadium,propelling the Seleção closer to qualification for the 2026 World cup despite a missed penalty by Cristiano Ronaldo. The win marks Portugal’s third consecutive victory in Group F, solidifying their led with nine points.
Ronaldo’s frustrating night included hitting the irish post in the 16th minute and having a 75th-minute penalty saved by goalkeeper Kelleher. Despite the captain’s struggles, Portugal relentlessly pressured the Irish defense, with Kelleher delivering a standout performance, notably denying Ruben Neves in the 59th minute. Trincao, a substitute, played a key role in earning the penalty and assisted on Neves’s decisive goal in stoppage time (90+1).
Neves’s first goal for the national team carried poignant meaning, scored while wearing the No. 21 jersey previously worn by his friend,Diogo Jota,who tragically died in a traffic accident in July. He celebrated by kissing the number and pointing to the sky in a visibly emotional tribute.
The victory places Portugal firmly in first place in Group F,ahead of Hungary (4 points),which defeated Armenia 2-0. Portugal will have an possibility to further cement their position on Tuesday when they host Hungary in Lisbon.
Elsewhere in qualifying action, Spain defeated Georgia 2-0, maintaining their perfect record in Group E with nine points, followed by Türkiye with six after a 6-1 win over Bulgaria. Spanish player Pedro Porro expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “Very happy with the victory, the team was very good in all facets of the game. We had to watch the transitions and I think the team was very good.” (via Teledeporte).
(SOURCE: AFP)
