Report, score and goals as Neves comes to the rescue

Ruben Neves scored the winning goal in the 91st minute, saving Cristiano Ronaldo from blushing, as Portugal beat Ireland 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

Ronaldo missed the opportunity to become Record top scorer in World Cup qualifiers When Caoimhin Kelleher saved the penalty kick in the 75th minute.

It looked as if Ireland’s stubborn approach would pay off, but Neves denied them a point as Portugal finally broke down the visitors’ defense and beat the in-form Kelleher.

Neves converted a cross from Francisco Trincao into the net as Roberto Martinez’s side, who are on course to easily qualify for the finals, secured a third win from three. Ireland must climb a mountain with one point from three matches.

The first half was frustrating for Portugal

Portugal could have taken the lead in the 17th minute had Ronaldo’s low shot from the edge of the penalty area not hit the right 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 effort for the hosts, who were then parried by Kelleher’s reactions from Bruno Fernandes’ corner kick at the near post.

Vitinha had a shot from the edge of the box deflected off the ball, but in reality Ireland were surprisingly comfortable for most of the first half.

Neves is ashamed of Ronaldo

Ronaldo shot a ball past the post nine minutes into the second half as the attack continued, and Kelleher made two wonderful saves to deny Neves the goal.

It looked as if Ronaldo would have his moment when the referee pointed to a penalty kick after Dara O’Shea deemed he had blocked Trincao’s shot with his hand.

Kelleher descended to his right, but was mentally present to block Ronaldo’s penalty kick in the middle with his legs, keeping the Portugal legend on his tally of 39 goals in World Cup qualifiers.

However, the Irish goalkeeper’s impressive performance was in vain, as Neves timed it perfectly to meet Trincao’s cross from the right, getting to the ball ahead of Kelleher and heading it home.

It was an emotional first international goal for Neves, wearing the number 21 worn by Diogo Jota, and one that ensured that Portugal’s first home game since the former Liverpool striker’s tragic pass ended in victory.

Portugal will face Hungary on Tuesday in a match that will go a long way in determining who will qualify automatically from Group Six.