Timely Portugal dash Macedonian hopes

Portugal substitute Adrien Silva struck a 90th-minute equaliser to deny ten-man FYR Macedonia a first win in qualifying Group 9.

Late drama
Silva's late effort was the climax to a thrilling second half as Portugal avoided slipping to consecutive defeats in the section, having lost 2-1 in Greece on Friday. The Macedonians, beaten 6-3 by England the same evening after fighting back from 2-0 and 3-1 down, took the lead through Muarem in the 68th minute but were unable to hold out with ten men following the 78th-minute dismissal of Betim Aliju.

Acrobatic finish
The game burst into life after the interval with Kristijan Naumovski keeping the hosts level courtesy of a smart save from Yazalde's close-range header before Muarem – a scorer against England – beat two defenders and drove in following Agim Ibraimi's pass. Yazalde and Portugal substitute Rabiola both twice failed to make the most of presentable chances as the action switched from end to end, leaving Adrien Silva to ultimately show them way as he acrobatically turned in a cross from the right.

Urdinov chance
FYR Macedonia nearly claimed victory in added time only for Yani Urdinov to fire wide from five metres, leaving coach Boban Babunski to ponder another decent showing but a tally of just two points from five matches. Portugal, in third, have four points from their three outings.