The lights of Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade had been vibrant, the gang was roaring, and Cristiano Ronaldo stood on the spot, able to put Portugal forward of their essential 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in opposition to Eire. However what occurred subsequent left hundreds of followers in disbelief — and the visiting goalkeeper in glory.
It was meant to be a easy night time for the UEFA Nations League champions, who entered the conflict unbeaten after two wins in Group F. Portugal, led by their talisman Ronaldo, had been anticipated to proceed their dominant run on house soil. However Caoimhin Kelleher had different plans.
As the primary half ended goalless, Portugal had many of the possession, but struggled to interrupt by way of Eire’s compact protection. Then got here the second of drama within the 76th minute. A shot from Trincão struck Darragh O’Shea, and after a fast verify, the referee pointed to the spot, a call that was met with protests from the Irish gamers.
O’Shea and coach Heimir Hallgrimsson argued it had come off the defender’s chest. “It hit his chest, not his arm!” they insisted, however VAR upheld the penalty name, leaving Ronaldo with the prospect to interrupt the impasse.
The save heard round Dublin
Ronaldo, calm as ever, took a deep breath earlier than hanging the ball straight down the center — a trademark of his composed penalty-taking model. However Kelleher guessed proper with out guessing in any respect, stretching his leg and blocking the shot along with his boot.
The Irish goalkeeper punched the air in celebration because the Portuguese followers stood shocked in silence. It was a defining second, not simply within the match, however probably in Eire’s qualification hopes.
