Chances come to nought for Portugal
Saturday 28 March 2009
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Cristiano Ronaldo passed up a late chance as Portugal drew 0-0 again (©Getty Images)
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A third successive FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 1 draw did Portugal few favours after Carlos Queiroz's side had the better chances at the Estádio do Dragão.
Barren patch
Following identical results away to Sweden and at home to Albania in their most recent qualifiers, Portugal again failed to score, although debutant goalkeeper Eduardo could take comfort from a clean sheet. Pepe fired wide early on, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Alves also threatened a breakthrough while Duda's cross hit a post, yet Lars Lagerbäck's men could take credit from frustrating their hosts.
Deco cameo
After Simão shot wide after a fine move involving Tiago and Ronaldo, the first half ended on a low note for Portugal as Bosingwa was substituted with an injury. Danny was off target for the Selecção after the restart, while Johan Elmander forced a save from Eduardo at the other end. Missing from the starting lineup because of a thigh problem, Deco came on and made goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson work on 71 minutes, before sending another attempt narrowly wide.
Level pegging
However, it was clear it was not going to be Portugal's night when the unmarked Ronaldo headed wide when well-placed five minutes from time. Neither side now has a competitive game until 6 June, when Sweden host Denmark and Portugal visit Albania. The teams are locked together on six points, four behind Denmark and Hungary, with the two Nordic countries having played a match less than their rivals.
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