Cristiano Ronaldo clashed with Ireland’s Caoimhin Kelleher during Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup qualifier win after the goalkeeper saved his penalty, only for Ruben Neves to seal victory in stoppage time
Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in a heated altercation with Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during Portugal’s tense 1-0 World Cup qualifier win on Saturday. The drama unfolded when Kelleher saved Ronaldo’s 76th-minute penalty with an outstretched leg, celebrating wildly as the Portuguese star’s frustration grew. Earlier, footage showed Ronaldo attempting to stop the Brentford stopper from time-wasting by clapping in his face and urging him to hurry up, prompting a sarcastic thumbs-up from the 26-year-old. Despite the setback, Portugal triumphed thanks to Ruben Neves’ 91st-minute header, which he dedicated to late teammate Diogo Jota. Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson said, “We should be proud, not happy, but there are a lot of good things to take from it.” The result leaves Portugal top of Group F with a perfect record, while Ireland sit bottom with one point from three games. Ronaldo, now on 964 career goals, remains determined to reach his 1,000-goal milestone.