Ronaldo misses penalty but Al Hilal star saves Portugal against Ireland

Cristiano Ronaldo missed the chance to extend his international record and move closer to his goal of scoring 1000 goals after he missed a penalty against Ireland.

The miss threatened Portugal's 100% start to their World Cup qualifying campaign; however, Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves scored in first-half injury time to ensure Robert Martinez's side made it three wins in three games.

Portugal largely controlled the tempo from the start, probing the Irish defence with crosses, switching play, and pressing gaps. Despite that, clear-cut chances were scarce, as Ireland defended in numbers and opened themselves up rarely.

Midway through the second half, Portugal won a penalty when Diogo Leite handled the ball inside the box after a scramble from a corner delivery. 

Ronaldo, seeking to add to his legacy, stepped forward but saw his shot saved low to his right by Caoimhín Kelleher, who dived quickly and held his nerve. 

As the match moved into stoppage time, Portugal intensified their effort, and it paid off. Trincão swung in a cross from the left, and Rúben Neves found space between defenders to power a decisive header past Kelleher and into the corner. The strike came in the 91st minute and proved the winner. 

Ronaldo remains on 141 official goals for Portugal (the world record for men’s international goals). Had he scored the penalty against Ireland, that tally would have risen to 142. 

On the wider career front, Ronaldo’s senior tally stands at 946 official goals across club and country. Had the spot-kick gone in tonight, his career total would have been 947, leaving him 53 goals shy of 1,000; instead, he remains 54 goals away from the 1,000-goal landmark.