Portugal 1-0 Ireland - Portugal Player Ratings | OneFootball

Portugal edged out a 1-0 victory against Ireland at the Estádio José Alvalade on Sunday to take a commanding lead in their World Cup qualifying group.

Portugal dominated possession and created a significant number of chances, but it took a last-gasp winner from midfielder Rúben Neves to capture all three points for the home side. Cristiano Ronaldo had plenty of opportunities to grab a goal, and even missed a second-half penalty. This was not the most inspiring performance from Roberto Martínez’s men, but they did enough on the night to leave with a victory, and there were some standout performances from players like Neves, Nuno Mendes and Francisco Trincão.

Diogo Costa- 7

The Portuguese keeper had little to do in this encounter. There was an early cross into the box and a shot that sailed over in the 14th minute, but aside from that, Costa was never really challenged. Ireland failed to record a single shot on target in this match and had just two total attempts on goal. Good distribution from the back and another clean sheet for Costa.

Diogo Dalot - 6

While Neto freely attacked down the wing, Dalot did well to complement him and shore up the right side of the defence. The Manchester United full-back managed a few crosses into the box, but never really threatened going forward.

Rúben Dias - 7

A rock in the back, as always. Dias was reliable when called upon, although Ireland’s defensive tactics meant he was hardly tested. The centre-back did pull off an incredible last-second interception from a dangerous long ball into the box in the first half that halted a certain goalscoring opportunity.

Gonçalo Inácio - 6.5

Inácio played just 45 minutes before being substituted at the half, but it is noteworthy that he started the match ahead of António Silva and Renato Veiga, showing that the Sporting centre-back has the trust of his manager. The defender handled Chiedozie Ogbene and Evan Ferguson well, showing off his strength. Right before the halftime whistle, Inácio also forced a good save out of Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelleher when he latched onto a corner and angled a header on target.

Nuno Mendes - 8

Continues to prove himself as one of the world’s top left-backs. Mendes was outstanding on the night, getting involved up and down the left side with tremendous speed. Festy Ebosele was booked early in the match trying to slow down the skillful fullback, and the Irish defenders struggled to contain the talented 23-year-old. Mendes has firmly established himself as Portugal’s No. 1 left-back, and that position should be his for the foreseeable future.

Rúben Neves - 8.5, PortuGOAL.net’s Man of the Match

Neves was the unlikely hero on a night when the Portuguese attackers failed to break through a stubborn Irish defence. His stoppage time goal was his first ever for the Seleção. Neves was solid on the defensive end, complementing Vitinha in the midfield and breaking up any danger coming down the centre of the pitch. However, his main contribution came on the opposite end of the field with a timely late header that sealed the three points for the home side.

Playing in the No. 21 shirt of the late Diogo Jota, in Portugal’s first home match since Jota’s passing Rúben Neves scored the winner and dedicated the goal to his great friend (Photo: Arlindo Homem ©)

Vitinha - 7

The gifted conductor was once again tasked with a role just in front of the back four, similar to what Xavi or Pirlo would offer for Spain and Italy during their prime. Most of Portugal’s play went through the midfielder, and he set the tempo and pace. Vitinha spread the ball well, rarely giving up possession. He produced some cutting passes and some long-range efforts of his own, but lacked that final touch to unlock the defence. Overall, another strong display from the 25-year-old

Bernardo Silva - 5.5

Martínez has preferred Silva down to the right side of the pitch, but the midfielder played the first half on the left and did little to justify his spot on this occasion. Silva lacked pace and creativity, and Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien kept him quiet. Silva started to drift into a more central role when Nelson Semedo came on in the second half, but was unable to have the impact Martínez would have hoped to see from the veteran.

Bruno Fernandes - 6

This was an opportunity for Fernandes to showcase his talents on the world stage. On a night where Portugal dominated possession and Fernandes was handed a prominent role just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, the midfielder struggled to get going. Fernandes was involved in both of Portugal’s shots on target in the first half, providing a curling ball for Inácio from a corner and attempting a long-range effort of his own. In the 59th minute, he had a brilliant chance off a counterattack. Fernandes brought the ball up from his own half and decided to go himself on this occasion, despite Portugal having numbers in their favour. His strike, though, was well saved. The midfielder also picked up a careless yellow in the 68th minute.

Pedro Neto- 7

Neto looked dangerous down the right side. He provided a series of early crosses that tested Ireland’s backline and a speculative shot in the 33rd that just missed. He continued to cause trouble for the defence down the left wing in the second half before being taken off for Rafael Leão.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 6.5

As always, Ronaldo worked tirelessly to get himself involved. He was energetic early on, but failed to get any meaningful touches in the first 15 minutes. In the 17th minute, however, Ronaldo hit the post with a powerful left-footed strike from just outside the box. It would turn out to be Portugal’s best effort of the first half. He also looked the most likely to score in the second half. The lack of service for the forward was concerning, but he kept putting himself in dangerous positions. Ronaldo produced a headed attempt, a long-range effort, and a low shot that sailed just wide within the first 10 minutes of the start of the second half, showing his eagerness and desire to get on the scoresheet. Another solid performance from the superstar, but he will get deducted a point for a rare penalty miss that could have cost Portugal.

Substitutes

Renato Veiga - 6.5

Little to do in the second half, but solid when called upon.

Nelson Semedo - 6.5

Provided a spark and a different dimension to Dalot when he came onto the pitch. A  beautiful low cross into the box in the 70th minute nearly created a goal for Ronaldo. He was also involved in the buildup to the penalty down the right side.

Rafael Leão - 5

Lacked imagination and creativity. An uninspiring performance until the final minutes when he was finally afforded some space. Leão did have a great chance to get on the scoresheet in stoppage time when Ireland pushed up for an equaliser, but his left-footed shot drifted just wide of the goal.

Francisco Trincão - 7

Limited space to work due to Ireland clogging the box, but Trincão did leave his mark with a spectacular cross late in the game to find Neves for the goal. The game was crying out for a moment of magic to unlock this contest, and the Sporting star provided just that with a brilliant assist.

Playing in his home stadium, Francisco Trincão came off the bench to win a penalty and provide the assist for the winning goal (Photo: Arlindo Homem ©)

Gonçalo Ramos - 6

Looked energetic but only had a few minutes on the pitch. His only chance was a header that was off target.