Neves: First Portugal goal wearing Jota's number was written in the stars

Ruben Neves believes his dramatic winner against the Republic of Ireland was written in the stars, having scored his first Portugal goal while wearing the number of his close friend Diogo Jota.

Neves inherited the number 21 shirt for Portugal in tribute to his close friend and former team-mate, who died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva in July.

Neves and Jota played together for three years at Wolves as well as teaming up for their country, winning the Nations League title in 2019 and again this June.

On Saturday, it looked as though Portugal's perfect record in World Cup qualifying would come to an end as Ireland held firm until the 91st minute, with Caoimhin Kelleher saving a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.

But just when the Selecao seemed to be out of ideas, Neves got ahead of Kelleher to nod Francisco Trincao's in-swinging cross home.

Asked if his goal was destined to arrive this way, Neves – who displayed a tattoo of himself with Jota on his calf when celebrating – told Sport TV: "I think so. 

"My first goal for the national team, with this number... it couldn't have come in a better way.

"That desire and passion he had to be here with us... I said that each one of us was going to inherit a little bit of who Diogo was, and today was a game like that. 

"It was a very difficult game, against a team defending extremely low, with practically no space. It had to be this way."

Saturday's game was Portugal's first at home since Jota's death, and the 21st minute of the game saw fans at Estadio Jose Alvalade applaud in tribute to the late Liverpool forward.

"Of course, it was special for Ruben to score, but it also would be for anyone," Trincao added. "In the 21st minute, I was out warming up and feeling the support of the fans, it's always very beautiful.

"This group is more united than ever, and now we have to win the next game."

Portugal can seal qualification for the World Cup if they beat Hungary on Tuesday, and Neves is determined to get the job done with two games to spare in Group F.

"We think game by game," he said. "We can close qualification for the World Cup in the next game, and we will do everything to achieve that."