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.
