The Portuguese midfielder was the hero for the Portuguese side with a injury-time decisive strike in their World Cup qualifying encounter against Ireland, after Caoimhín Kelleher had saved a penalty from the veteran forward.
The Wolves midfielder headed home during added time to secure a narrow triumph, several seasons after the star striker had scored twice late on to overcome a resilient Irish side.
The Irish squad looked set to depart the Portuguese capital with a hard-fought draw, but in the end left empty-handed, despite regaining a significant amount of pride with a gritty performance that erased some of the recollections of last month’s disappointing loss in Armenia.
Nevertheless, the defeat leaves them staring down the barrel, with their initial trio of qualifying group matches having yielded only a single draw. They need to beat Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday to keep alive any hope of claiming a playoff spot.
Hungary enhanced their chances of qualifying by securing their first win with a two-goal triumph over Armenia, moving above their rivals into the runner-up spot behind Portugal in Group F. A Hungarian forward gave his team the advantage in the opening period and Zsombor Gruber made sure of the points in late added time.
Serbia suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to the Albanian squad, with the result meaning the Three Lions can now seal their qualification from Group K by beating Latvia on Tuesday. An Albanian striker netted the decisive strike for Albania with a neat volley in first-half stoppage time.
Latvia struggles in Group K persisted as they were held to a two-all draw at home by Andorra. Ian Olivera scored for the away side 12 minutes from time to claim them their first point of the qualifying campaign and prolong Latvia’s poor form to five games.
Spain continued their impressive qualifying group campaign with a comfortable win over the Georgian side after goals from a Spanish attacker and his teammate in Elche. The win extended the title holders’ flawless run in the qualifiers, having notched 11 goals in three games without letting in a goal.
In spite of the unavailability of players such as a talented winger, Nico Williams, and Rodri due to fitness issues, the Spanish squad showcased their dominance against a Georgian team that passed most of the match sitting back. Spain dominated the encounter with more than 80% of the ball, and Georgia did not have one shot on target or create a scoring opportunity, with only shot-stopper their keeper averting a heavy defeat.
Pino broke the deadlock in the first half from a well-executed dead-ball routine, and his compatriot wrapped up the victory in the 64th minute with a stunning set-piece after the Georgian keeper had denied a Spanish player’s spot-kick.
The Italian coach said: “Our focus isn’t on Norway or our next opponents. We know what we have to do.”
The Azzurri missed out for the previous two global tournaments, twice falling short in the playoffs, and the feared backdoor route now appears their most likely chance after the Norwegian team’s comprehensive hammering over the Israeli side in their qualifying group. Norway are leading on eighteen points from six matches. The Italians have 12 points with a game in hand on their competitors and are a trio of points clear of their next opponents. The Estonian squad remain fourth on three points. The group winners qualify directly for the tournament, with the runners-up entering the playoffs.
Italy face their rivals on Tuesday, where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still theoretically overtake Norway on points, the Norwegians’ much better goal difference means a qualifying place likely beckons for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.
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