Ruben Neves spared Portugal’s blushes with a dramatic injury-time winner as they edged past the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in Lisbon.
The Wolves midfielder headed home in the first minute of stoppage time four years after Cristiano Ronaldo’s late double broke Irish hearts in 2021.
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It came just minutes after Caoimhin Kelleher had produced a brilliant save to deny Ronaldo from the penalty spot, keeping Ireland’s hopes alive until the final moments.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side looked set to claim a deserved point after a brave, disciplined display that helped erase memories of their humiliating loss in Armenia last month. But Neves’s late header means Ireland are now winless after three Group F games, collecting just one point so far.
With key midfielder Josh Cullen suspended, they must now beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep their play-off hopes alive.
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Ireland set up in a compact 5-4-1 formation and frustrated Portugal early on. Nuno Mendes fired across goal, Bruno Fernandes went close, and Ronaldo hit the post with a fierce effort that rebounded too quickly for Bernardo Silva to convert.
Applause broke out in the 21st minute in memory of Diogo Jota as Ireland grew in confidence, with Festy Ebosele’s driving run leading to Jayson Molumby firing just over.
Kelleher then made a string of impressive stops to deny Vitinha, Goncalo Inacio and Fernandes before the break.
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Ronaldo tried to take control after half-time but missed two chances, growing visibly frustrated. Kelleher continued to stand tall, saving efforts from Neves and Vitinha as Ireland held firm.
When Ronaldo’s late penalty was saved by Kelleher’s trailing leg, it looked like Ireland might hang on. But Neves had the final say, heading in Francisco Trincao’s cross deep into stoppage time to secure Portugal all three points and leave Ireland gutted once again.