Portugal is in a very good position to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. After their victory (1-0) against Ireland on a late goal from Ruben Neves, Roberto Martinez's players are first in Group F, with five points ahead of Hungary, victorious over Armenia earlier this Saturday.
On the other hand, the story could have been much more beautiful for the idol of the Portuguese people. Cristiano Ronaldo could have been once again, twice, the hero of the Selecçao, but it was Neves who took on this costume.
A missed penalty
Holding the lead at the forefront of the Portuguese attack, “CR7” first found the post with a splendid low shot with his left foot, before seeing Bernardo Silva, who had followed, miss his shot into the empty goal.
Then, in an exercise that he likes, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 75th minute. The Lusitanian legend's shot, sent full axis, was repelled with his foot by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 40 years old, will therefore remain stuck at 141 goals for Portugal for the moment. A total that he will obviously try to improve during the last three matches of this group stage and, if he is taken to the United States next year, during what should be his last World Cup if he is selected by his coach.
