Portugal 1-0 Republic of Ireland: Neves winner spares Ronaldo´s blushes after saved penalty

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Ruben Neves spared Cristiano Ronaldo’s blushes with a stoppage-time winner as Portugal overcame their captain’s missed penalty to beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in World Cup qualifying.

It looked as though Portugal would lose their perfect record in Group F when Ronaldo saw a spot-kick saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, but Neves’ first senior international goal broke Irish hearts at the death.

Portugal’s first real attack saw Ronaldo strike the base of the post from the edge of the area, and Bernardo Silva somehow failed to turn the rebound into a gaping net.

Vitinha saw an attempt from distance deflect onto the top of Kelleher’s net as Portugal continued to dominate possession, but Ireland made it to half-time at 0-0 as their goalkeeper made a sprawling save to keep out Ronaldo’s header at his near post.

Portugal continued to boss proceedings in the second half, but Ronaldo scuffed wide after taking in Bruno Fernandes’ pass with a lovely touch, while Kelleher got down to his left to turn Vitinha’s curler around the post.