Last-gasp Ruben Neves winner keeps Portugal on track for World Cup

LISBON – Portugal coach Roberto Martinez believes the spirit of the late Diogo Jota is with the team, as Ruben Neves scored a stoppage-time goal to snatch a 1-0 win over Ireland on Oct 11 that preserved their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying Group F and consolidated top spot. 

Portugal moved to nine points at the halfway stage of the campaign with a five-point lead over second-placed Hungary, whom they host on Oct 14 when they could secure qualification.

Defensive midfielder Neves headed home a minute into added time at the Estadio Jose Alvalade for his first international goal in 60 appearances. It was a poignant tribute to close friend

Jota, who died in a car accident

in July and whose No. 21 jersey Neves wore in Portugal’s first home game since the Liverpool player’s death.

“They are signs of happiness. We already had that during the September training camp,” said Martinez.

“We scored during the 21st minute (against Armenia), against Hungary we conceded in the 21st minute and today Ruben Neves, who changes his jersey, scores with the determination, intelligence and arrival in the area of our Jota. For us it is a sign, a joy to feel that Diogo is with the family that is the national team, but also that it is a responsibility to fight for Jota’s dream, which is everyone’s dream.”

The Spaniard added: “Diogo Jota is with us. Being able to score in the 21st minute (against Armenia) was special. We continue on our journey. I really believe (in coincidences). Diogo’s spirit is with us. It was a sign in the 21st minute and we scored. We felt Jota from the first day of the training camp and his strength and motivation.”

Cristiano Ronaldo had a penalty saved in the 75th minute as Ireland threatened to hold the hosts to a draw, but the late strike kept the Irish bottom of the standings with one point.

Neves rose to head home Francisco Trincao’s cross, getting to the ball ahead of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. It will have come as a relief to Portugal, who had a frustrating evening trying to break down resolute Irish resistance.

It was a tough night for Ronaldo in his 50th World Cup qualifier. He struck the base of the post in the 17th minute with a left-footed snapshot from just inside the penalty box, with the rebound falling perfectly for Bernardo Silva, who inexplicably scuffed his effort wide.

The 40-year-old captain had another opportunity in the 70th minute when Nuno Mendes set him up with a square pass into the penalty area, but Ronaldo got his angles wrong and shot wide.

Five minutes later, he had a penalty saved. It was the closest he got to setting a record of 40 goals in World Cup qualifiers and ended a run of five successive internationals in which he has scored.

Ultimately, Portugal won and Ireland lost and that was what mattered.

“It’s a painful and heartbreaking result,” said Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. “Our plan worked with excellent teamwork. We put a lot of energy into this match.”
REUTERS