Portugal book play-off berth in style
Wednesday 14 October 2009
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Portugal booked their place in the draw for next month's 2010 FIFA World Cup play-offs with a resounding win against the bottom side in Group 1.
Nani opener
Needing victory to sure of second place in the section, Portugal went ahead on 14 minutes when Manchester United FC's Nani collected a pass from Deco and volleyed past Andrew Hogg. It was one-way traffic from then on, and Carlos Queiroz's side could have doubled their advantage on 35 minutes but Brazilian-born striker Liedson headed wide. A second goal duly arrived on the brink of half-time courtesy of Simão's precise effort from outside the penalty area.
Veloso first
Nani proved to be a decisive figure in the absence of former United team-mate Ronaldo and turned provider six minutes after half-time when he located the unmarked Miguel Veloso, who beat Hogg for his first international goal. The 2006 semi-finalists capped off a morale-boosting night in Guimaraes with an added-time goal from Edinho. They must now await the play-off draw on 19 October while Malta are left to contemplate a campaign in which they collected a solitary point from ten fixtures.
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