Portugal 1-0 Ireland result - Ruben Neves heads late winner as Irish World Cup qualifying hopes dealt huge blow after Cristiano Ronaldo penalty saved

World Cup Qualification UEFA / Matchday 3
Estádio José Alvalade / 11.10.2025
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22:00
22:00
IRELAND FACE UPHILL BATTLE AFTER NEVES HEADS LAST-GASP WINNER IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Ruben Neves headed his first goal for Portugal in added time as Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying hopes were left hanging by a thread in Group F after a sickening last-gasp 1-0 defeat in Lisbon.
After losing 2-1 in Armenia last month in a huge upset, Heimir Hallgrimsson's visiting side produced a stout defensive display to frustrate the home side for long spells of a frantic evening at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Cristiano Ronaldo, winning a record-extending 224th cap for his country, hit the post in the first half before seeing a penalty saved by the outstanding Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher on 75 minutes after Dara O'Shea was harshly penalised for using an arm to block a Francisco Trincao effort.
But just when Ireland looked like they had seen out the match with one minute played of seven added, Neves popped up to nod into the empty net from a Trincao cross as Kelleher arrived a split second late in trying to punch clear.
It was a huge blow for Ireland, who will probably have to win their remaining three matches in the section to have any chance of finishing second in the group behind Roberto Martinez's Portugal, who have nine points from their opening three group matches having remarkably won their past 13 qualifying outings.
Ireland are three points behind Hungary, who defeated Armenia 2-0 earlier on Saturday evening, before they host Armenia in Dublin in a must-win fixture on Tuesday evening with Hungary visiting Portugal, who can seal their place at the finals with a fourth straight victory.

21:52
21:52
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Mourinho, Ronaldo 'opened the door' for Portuguese players and coaches - Neto

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21:50
21:50
A SUPERB PERFORMANCE FROM IRISH GOALKEEPER KELLEHER
Probably deserved a point from his efforts in Lisbon, but you do not always get what you deserve in football.

90+7'
Whistle
90+7'
Whistle
THERE GOES THE FINAL WHISTLE!
It is a 1-0 win for Roberto Martinez's side in the end. Bernardo Silva picks up a yellow card, but it matters little. Sickening for Ireland. Portugal with 13 straight wins now in qualifying matches.

90+6'
90+6'
IRELAND DRINKING IN LAST-CHANCE SALOON
They are going to need to win their final three Group F matches to have any chance of qualifying for the World Cup next year. Long way back from this predicament.
90+4'
90+4'
ALMOST A KILLER SECOND FOR PORTUGAL!
Ireland caught up the park trying to find an equaliser as Rafael Leão thrashes a finish just wide of the target. Brutal finish to this match for the visitors.
90+2'
Goal
90+2'
Goal
GOAL! (NEVES) PORTUGAL 1-0 IRELAND
Such a bitter blow for Ireland as Ruben Neves arrives right on cue ahead of Kelleher to nod into the net from the Trincão cross. Joy and relief for the home support.
90+1'
90+1'
WE WILL HAVE SEVEN ADDED MINUTES!
Well, that is still a fair chunk of time to see out for Ireland...
88'
Card - Yellow
88'
Card - Yellow
IRELAND SO, SO WELL ORGANISED
Ryan Manning has picked up a booking before Goncalo Ramos nods wide of goal. Josh Cullen is then booked for laying one on Ramos with some foul play. All eyes on the clock now. Will Irish eyes be smiling as Trincao thumps a volley miles away from the target?
87'
Substitution
87'
Substitution
A COUPLE OF CHANGES ON THE GO HERE
John Egan replaces Séamus Coleman for the visitors as Gonçalo Ramos takes over from Bruno Fernandes for the home side.

86'
86'
O'SHEA WALLOPS CLEAR ANOTHER CROSS
This time Semedo trying to pick out a red shirt in the middle, but Ireland, as always this evening, have the answer to the Portugal questions.
84
84
HOW MUCH AMBITION DO IRELAND HAVE?
Do they stick or twist here? Difficult to get out of the siege mentality when you are in the trenches. Still a bit of time to see out here, but Portugal must be frustrated by such an exacting evening.
82'
82'
THE MAN OF THE MOMENT FOR IRELAND TONIGHT
It must be said, Kelleher and Collins have been superb for the visitors this evening. What they would give for a set-piece chance now. Not like they've not got enough big men on there.

80'
80'
IRELAND GOALKEEPER HAS BEEN BOOKED TOO
Kelleher was yellow carded seconds before he saved that penalty kick for time-wasting. This Ireland defence has worked so, so hard this evening. Merit a point for effort alone.
78'
Substitution
78'
Substitution
CHANGES BEING MADE BY THE VISITORS
Troy Parrott replaces Evan Ferguson and Will Smallbone is on for Chiedozie Ogbene
77'
77'
IRELAND FANS IN FULL VOICE NOW!
No wonder. This really could be a result to confound the critics. Lisbon stunned by the Ronaldo miss. Doesn't happen that often.
75'
Missed Penalty
75'
Missed Penalty
AND THE PENALTY IS SAVED BY KELLEHER!
What a fabulous stop by the Ireland goalkeeper. Ronaldo went down middle and Kelleher managed to get his legs to the ball to keep it out. What a save that is! Magnificent!
74'
74'
AND THE CHECK IS OVER..
That decision will stand. Dara O'Shea can't believe it. Ronaldo with the ball..
73'
73'
PENALTY TO PORTUGAL!
Well, that is harsh as Dara O'Shea is penalised for using an arm in trying to block the Trincao shot. VAR will have a look.
72'
72'
ANOTHER RONALDO CHANCE COMES AND GOES
Plenty of width from Portugal this evening on both flanks, but yet to see the finishing touch applied out there. Well wide as Ronaldo fails to wrap his right boot around the cross from Nelson Semedo.