Portugal deliver sucker punch

Spectacular shot
Having already qualified for the play-offs for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals, the Group 3 leaders looked destined to be held to a draw by second-placed Russia until Manuel Fernandes found the target with a spectacular long-range shot which eluded Vladimir Gaboulov four minutes from time.

Russia dominant
The home side dominated from the start with strong play in midfield and controlled possession in the first half. Dangerous throughout, Aleksandr Samedov did brilliantly to outpace four Portuguese players before being denied by goalkeeper Bruno Vale after 12 minutes.

Steadying presence
Seconds later, Kirill Nababkin's header from a corner was cleared off the line by a defender, while Nikita Bazhenov squandered two chances before the interval as Russia held sway. However, things were to be more even in the second period as Ricardo Queresma helped steady the Portuguese.

Near misses
The hosts still looked the more likely team to score until Manuel Fernandes struck. Russia subsequently hit the bar in added time through Ruslan Nakhushev before Dmitry Torbinskiy fired the rebound against a post - but they could not find the all-important equaliser.