Relieved Wales progress with Portugal

Hosts top
The hosts only needed a point against Wales on the last day to wrap up first place and a 4-2 win in Viana Castelo ensured Portugal progressed with three victories. But although Wales lost, the Faroe Islands beat Kazakhstan 2-1 to leave the trio on three points and Brian Flynn's team in the next round – just.

Wales win
A 4-1 win against the Faroe Islands in Fao on Matchday 1 was the crucial result for Wales, as although Joshua Dawkin's goal late in the first half was cancelled out after the break by Helgi Samson, substitute Elliott Chamberlain made it 2-0 on 59 minutes and Billy Bodin – son of former international Paul Bodin – struck twice to secure the points. Portugal beat Kazakhstan 2-0 in Arcos de Valdevez with goals from William Carvalho and substitute Rúben Pinto.

Kazakhstan recover
Kazakhstan recovered two days later in Viana Castelo to defeat Wales 2-0 with goals late in each half from Alibek Ayaganov and Levin Yevgeniy. Portugal then all but secured their place in December's draw as strikes by Carvalho, Pinto, Sérgio Marques and substitute Luís Gustavo gave them a 4-1 victory against the Faroe Islands for who Bogi Petersen converted a 72nd-minute penalty.

Last-day drama
Edgar Borges's side moved their tally to nine points today after João Amorim and Miguel Serôdio put them 2-0 up in 28 minutes against Wales and although Tiago Ribeiro put through an own goal, Filipe Barros and João Beirão extended the lead before Chamberlain's late consolation. But the real celebrations for Wales were because a point for Kazakhstan would have secured their place but instead they lost 2-1 to the Faroe Islands. In the three-way tie-break the margin of Wales's win against the Faroe Islands was decisive but Kazakhstan's win against Flynn's side means they have a chance of progressing as one the two third-placed sides with the best record against the leading pair in their group, though there are 12 mini-tournaments to go.