Neves nets late winner as Portugal beat Ireland 1-0 to top Group F

Rúben Neves scored a stoppage-time winner as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0 on Saturday at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, preserving Portugal's perfect start to World Cup qualifying and securing three points that leave them well placed at the top of Group F. Neves nodded home Francisco Trincão's inswinging cross in the 91st minute after Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher had earlier saved Cristiano Ronaldo's 75th-minute penalty.

Portugal dominated possession for long periods but were repeatedly denied by Kelleher and the Ireland defence. Ronaldo struck the base of the post in the first half and had a penalty from the spot saved after a handball was given against Dara O'Shea following a VAR check. Kelleher, who produced several crucial saves throughout the match, kept the score level until Neves' late run into the box allowed Trincão's cross to be headed past him.

The goal was Neves' first for the senior national team, on his 60th cap, and came in Portugal's first home match since the death in July of forward Diogo Jota. Neves, who has taken Jota's former number 21 as a tribute, kissed the number on his shirt, pointed to the sky and revealed a tattoo on his...