Last-Gasp Neves Goal Secures Portugal Victory Despite Ronaldo Penalty Miss
LISBON, Portugal – Rúben Neves scored a dramatic, 90th-minute header to give Portugal a 1-0 victory over Ireland in a fiercely contested World Cup qualifying match at the Alvalade stadium Tuesday night. The win came despite a missed penalty by Cristiano Ronaldo in the 75th minute, saved brilliantly by Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.
The Group F clash saw portugal dominate possession and create numerous chances, but Ireland’s resolute defence, spearheaded by Kelleher’s outstanding performance, repeatedly thwarted their efforts. Kelleher previously denied a close-range shot from João Silva in the first half and a Neves attempt following a counterattack in the 58th minute. The penalty, awarded after a handball confirmed by VAR, proved another test of the goalkeeper’s skill, which he passed with flying colors.
Neves’ late goal, assisted by a right-wing cross from Trincão, ultimately secured all three points for the ‘quinas’ and maintains their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The goal was dedicated to the late Diogo Jota, with Neves revealing a tattoo of the former teammate on his calf after celebrating.
with nine points from three matches, Portugal currently leads Group F. Hungary sits in second place with four points, followed by Armenia (three points) and Ireland (one point). Portugal will next face Hungary at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon next Tuesday.
Match Details:
Portugal 1 – 0 Ireland
Goal: Neves (90′)
Portugal Starting XI: Costa; Dalot (Trincão 60′), Inácio (Veiga 47′), Rúben Dias, nuno Mendes, Bruno Fernandes (Ramos 86′), Rúben neves, Vitinha (Nelson Semedo 60′), Bernardo silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto (Rafael Leão 60′).
Ireland Starting XI: Kelleher, O’Shea, Collins, O’Brien, Manning, Molumby, Cullen, Coleman (Egan 86′), Ogbene (Smallbone 77′), Ebosele (Mikey Johnston 64), Ferguson (Parrot 77).
Referee: Ivan kružliak (SVK)
Cards: Ebosele, Molumby, Kelleher, Manning, Cullen (Ireland); Fernandes (Portugal) – all yellow.
The qualifying process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by Canada, mexico, and the United States, sees teams compete in regional confederations for a limited number of spots. UEFA, the European governing body, has allocated 21 direct qualifying berths, with potential playoff opportunities for additional teams. The top teams from each group will automatically advance to the tournament, while others may enter a playoff system to secure their place.
