Late Neves Stunner Keeps Portugal Flying High Over Ireland

Portugal earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over visiting Ireland in a European qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a late penalty in the 73rd minute, but Ruben Neves rescued the result with a stoppage-time strike in the 90+1 minute, sending Portugal top of Group 6 with nine points while Ireland sat on one.

The opening period was dominated by Portugal, with Ronaldo hitting the post in the 17th minute and Bernardo Silva forcing a sharp save from the Irish goalkeeper. Rafael Leao and Francisco Trincão later came on for Neto and Dalot, while Vitinha was replaced by Nelson Semedo as Portugal refreshed the attack.

After the break, Ronaldo continued to threaten and Neves tested the keeper with a long-range effort. Portugal pressed for a winner and finally found it as Leao’s cross found Neves in the box, who headed home at the death.

Portugal now sit on nine points at the summit of Group 6, while Ireland remain at one point, well adrift in the group standings.

The match reflected Portugal's control and Ireland's resilience, with Ronaldo's penalty miss overshadowed by Neves's dramatic late winner.

Match recap: Portugal started with Diogo Costa in goal, a backline featuring Dalot, Dias, Inacio and Mendes, with Vitinha, Neves, Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Ronaldo in support. Ireland lined up with Kelleher in goal and a defensive block including O’Brien, Collins and O’Shea, supported by a midfield and attack that sought to frustrate the visitors.

Punchlines: Ronaldo’s miss was so central it probably needed a longer rest stop than the goal to recover. And Ireland’s woodwork? It’s now on first-name terms with Portugal’s shots — they’ve become the true MVPs of the night.