Ex-Benfica duo start in Portugal’s hard-fought win over Ireland | OneFootball

The National Team defeated Ireland 1-0 this Saturday at Alvalade, in the qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Rúben Neves scored his first goal for Portugal and dedicated it to his friend and former Portuguese international Diogo Jota. Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva, the former Benfica duo, started the match. The left-footer continues to be linked with the Clube da Luz.

One of the main chances of the match fell to Cristiano Ronaldo, when Portugal was awarded a penalty in the second half. However, the captain of the team missed and shot straight at goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Already in the final stretch, Francisco Trincão delivered a pinpoint cross to the head of Rúben Neves. The midfielder, who inherited the number 21 shirt from Diogo Jota, scored the winning goal—his first for the National Team—and celebrated by paying tribute to his friend.

Nélson Semedo and Gonçalo Ramos, who also played for Benfica, were brought on by Roberto Martínez when the score was still goalless. The National Team remains unbeaten in this qualification phase and takes an important step towards the 2026 World Cup.

With this result, Portugal remains at the top of Group F and can secure qualification in the next match, against Hungary. Three points will be enough to book their ticket to the World Cup, provided Armenia does not beat Ireland.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.