Report, result and targets as Neves comes to the rescue

Ruben Neves scored a 91st-minute winner to spare Cristiano Ronaldo's blushes as Portugal beat Ireland 1-0 in World Cup qualifying.

Ronaldo missed the opportunity to become the absolute top scorer in World Cup qualifying when his 75th minute penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

It looked like Ireland's stubborn approach would pay off, but Neves denied them a point as Portugal finally broke through the visitors' determined defense and beat the brilliant Kelleher.

Neves pushed aside Francisco Trincao's cross to make it three wins from three for Roberto Martinez's men, who are on course to comfortably qualify for the final. Portugal face Hungary on Tuesday and will qualify for the World Cup if they win and Armenia fail to beat Ireland.

Ireland have a mountain to climb with one point from three games.

Portugal's frustrating first half

Portugal would have taken the lead in the 17th minute if Ronaldo's low shot from the edge of the box had not hit the right post.

Bernardo Silva had the chance to shoot into an empty net on the follow-up, but inexplicably sent his effort wide.

That set the tone for a labored first half for the hosts, who were then belied by Kelleher's reactions after Bruno Fernandes' corner was deflected in at the near post.

Vitinha saw a shot from the edge of the box deflected, but in reality Ireland were surprisingly comfortable for much of the first half.

Neves spares Ronaldo the blushes

Ronaldo fired narrowly wide of the post nine minutes into the second half as the assault continued, with Kelleher making two superb saves to deny the instrumental Neves.

It looked like Ronaldo would have his moment when the referee pointed to the spot after Dara O'Shea was deemed to have blocked a Trincao shot with his hand.

Kelleher came down to his right but had the presence of mind to stop Ronaldo's penalty in the middle with his legs, keeping the Portuguese legend to 39 goals in World Cup qualifying.

Yet a stellar performance from the Irish keeper proved in vain as Neves timed his run perfectly to respond to Trincao's right-wing cross, reaching the ball past Kelleher and heading home.

It was an emotional first international goal for Neves, who wore the number 21 once worn by Diogo Jota, and it was the one that gave Portugal a first home win since the former Liverpool striker's tragic death.