Portugal maintained its qualifying record despite Cristiano Ronaldo missing a second-half penalty against Ireland.
Posted on October 11, 2025
Ruben Neves scored a goal for Portugal in stoppage time, leading it to a 1-0 victory over Ireland, so Portugal maintained its perfect record in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers and consolidated its lead in the group.
Portugal raised its score to nine points in the middle of the season, five points ahead of second-placed Hungary, which it will host on Tuesday when it can secure qualification.
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Neves headed home one minute into stoppage time on Saturday at Estadio Jose Alvalade for his first international goal.
It was a moving tribute to his close friend Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last July, and which Neves wore the No. 21 shirt for Portugal’s first home match since the Liverpool player’s death.
Cristiano Ronaldo saved a penalty earlier in the match as Ireland threatened to force a draw on the hosts, but a late strike kept the Irish at the bottom of the table with one point.
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