Ruben Neves scored a 91st-minute winner to spare Cristiano Ronaldo’s blushes as Portugal beat Ireland 1-0 in World Cup qualifying.
Ronaldo missed the chance to become the outright record goalscorer in World Cup qualifying when his 75th-minute penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.
It looked as if Ireland’s obdurate approach would paid off, but Neves denied them a point as Portugal finally unlocked the visitors’ determined defence and beat the brilliant Kelleher.
Neves turned home Francisco Trincao’s in-swinging cross to make it three wins from three for Roberto Martinez’s men, who are on course to comfortably qualify for the finals. Portugal face Hungary on Tuesday and will qualify for the World Cup if they prevail and Armenia fail to beat Ireland.
Ireland have a mountain to climb with one point from three games.
Portugal’s frustrating first half
Portugal would have taken the lead in the 17th minute had Ronaldo’s low drive from the edge of the area not struck the right-hand post.
Bernardo Silva had the chance to fire into an empty net on the follow-up, but inexplicably sent his effort wide.
That set the tone for a first half of toil for the hosts, who were then denied by the reactions of Kelleher after Bruno Fernandes’ corner was flicked on at the near post.
Vitinha had a shot from the edge of the area deflected over, but in reality Ireland were surprisingly comfortable for much of the opening period.
Neves spares blushes for Ronaldo
Ronaldo fired narrowly wide of the post nine minutes into the second half as the onslaught continued, with Kelleher producing two superb stops to deny the instrumental Neves.
It looked as if Ronaldo would have his moment when the referee pointed to the spot after Dara O’Shea was deemed to have blocked a Trincao shot with his hand.
Kelleher went down to his right but had the presence of mind to save Ronaldo’s penalty down the middle with his legs, keeping the Portugal legend on 39 World Cup qualifying goals.
Yet an outstanding performance from the Ireland goalkeeper proved to be all for nought as Neves timed his run perfectly to meet Trincao’s right-wing cross, getting to the ball ahead of Kelleher and heading home.
It was an emotional first international goal for Neves, donning the number 21 once worn by Diogo Jota, and it is one that ensured that Portugal’s first home game since the former Liverpool forward’s tragic passing ended in victory.
