Heartbreak for Ireland in Portugal

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Portugal 1 - 0 Republic of Ireland

Rúben Neves' stoppage-time header shattered Republic of Ireland’s resistance and sealed a dramatic World Cup qualifying victory for Portugal.

Author | Lee Francis

Stadium | Estádio José Alvalade

Super News Football 2025 | World Cup Qualifying | Portugal v Ireland | View from the stands
View from the stands

Neves climbed superbly to meet Francisco Trincão’s cross and glance it beyond Caoimhín Kelleher, rescuing Portugal and sparing Ronaldo’s embarrassment following his missed spot-kick.

Ronaldo had seen his penalty saved by Kelleher 15 minutes from time after Dara O’Shea was penalised for handball when blocking Trincão’s goalbound effort.

Before that and for much of the evening, it appeared that Ireland would hold firm and leave the Estádio da Luz with a hard-earned point, but Neves’ late intervention condemned them to a second successive defeat, following last month’s surprise loss to Armenia in Yerevan.

Super News Football 2025 | World Cup Qualifying | Portugal v Ireland | Missed Ronaldo penalty
Ronaldo has penalty saved

A 2-0 victory for Hungary over Armenia in Group F’s other match leaves them five points behind leaders Portugal. The Republic of Ireland remain bottom, two points adrift of Armenia, ahead of Tuesday’s crucial meeting in Dublin.

Effort without reward for Ireland

After the setback in Yerevan, Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson had called for a response that would restore pride in the shirt. Determined to bring greater defensive resilience, he recalled former captain Séamus Coleman to the side on his 37th birthday.

For much of the contest, the plan worked. Ireland were compact, disciplined and resolute, closing down space and frustrating Portugal’s array of attacking talent. The organisation and work rate that had deserted them in previous outings returned in abundance.

Yet their problems in attack persisted. Despite their industry, Ireland rarely threatened in the final third, managing only two attempts on goal, neither of which tested Diogo Costa. Striker Evan Ferguson endured a quiet evening, registering just 14 touches before being replaced by Troy Parrott.

In the end, Ireland’s graft went unrewarded, as Neves’ late header underlined the gulf in cutting edge between the sides.

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