Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher delivered a spectacular performance, including a superb penalty save from Cristiano Ronaldo, but it wasn’t enough to secure a point for the Republic of Ireland, as Portugal snatched a late 1-0 victory in their World Cup qualifying clash on Saturday.
The match, which took place at the Estádio José Alvalade, saw the Republic of Ireland side, often referred to as the Boys in Green, adopt a disciplined defensive approach against a dominant Portuguese team. The Cork stopper, Kelleher, added to his growing reputation as a penalty specialist in the 75th minute when he denied five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo from the spot. Ronaldo’s effort, aimed down the middle, was spectacularly kicked away by the agile Kelleher with a trailing right foot as the goalkeeper dived to his left.
Despite Kelleher’s heroics, which kept the score level and offered a glimmer of hope for a famous draw, the deadlock was finally broken in stoppage time. Portugal’s relentless pressure paid off when midfielder Ruben Neves connected with a cross from Francisco Trincão to head home the decisive goal in the 91st minute. The late strike was a heartbreaking end for the Irish, who had defended resolutely for the majority of the game.
The result leaves Ireland rooted to the bottom of Group F with one point from three matches, while Portugal maintains their perfect record in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
