Qualification for the 2014 World Cup continued on Friday as Portugal welcomed Russia to Lisbon for their Group F meeting.
Four wins from four matches had placed Russia top of the group, while Portugal entered the match in third position, needing the three points to keep their hopes alive.
The home side were ahead inside 10 minutes when Helder Postiga tapped home from close range, with that score still standing at the interval.
Both sides had half-chances in the second period, but neither could make the breakthrough as Portugal held on for a vital three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! European domestic football may have ended for the summer, but now our focus switches to the 2014 World Cup as qualification for Brazil continues. The message for Portugal is simple – win or face the possibility of missing out. On the other hand, Russia are strong favourites to top the group regardless of their result this evening.
The reverse fixture in Moscow ended in a 1-0 win for Russia courtesy of sixth-minute strike from Aleksandr Kerzhakov. In truth, Portugal were unlucky to leave the match empty-handed after enjoying 70% of the possession, but with an unfit Cristiano Ronaldo in their side, the Portuguese found it hard to create clear chances.
We are expecting the team news in the next 10 minutes or so. Paulo Bento’s side have made hard work of qualifying for recent World Cups and European Championships, which is also the case this time around. Although defeat this evening would not mathematically end their chances of qualification, it would leave them needing a big turnaround to book their spot in Brazil. It is that simple.
With the way that Group F is shaping up, second position may not be enough to secure a place in the World Cup. In the current ranking of second-placed teams across the European section, Israel – who are currently second in Group F – would miss out. However, it is still in Portugal’s hands. They have the quality to win each of their remaining four fixtures.
As mentioned, with four victories from their first four games, Russia are one of only two sides left in the qualification process to boast a 100% record, the other being the Netherlands. In addition, they are the only European team to have not conceded in qualification, which is a quite remarkable statistic and an indication of the task facing Portugal this evening.
Let’s take a look at how each side has fared in the competition thus far, starting with Portugal. Bento’s side began their Group F campaign with a 2-1 win over Luxembourg before picking up all three points in a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan. Next came the 1-0 defeat to Russia, which certainly wobbled the ship.
Following the Russia defeat, they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in Porto, before more dropped points came in a 1-1 draw away to Israel. They did return to form with three points against Azerbaijan in Baku, but they have given themselves a mountain to climb with four matches remaining.
In terms of upcoming fixtures, following this match they travel to Northern Ireland at the beginning of September, before hosting Israel, which could be decisive. They then end the section with a home match against Luxembourg, which, with respect, is the tie that each member of this group would want to end on.
Russia, meanwhile began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, before making light work of Israel in a 4-0 victory in Tel Aviv. Next came the 1-0 win over Portugal, before they ensured their 100% record in the competition with a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan last October. Following this match, they face Luxembourg and Israel at home, before Luxembourg and Azerbaijan away.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No Nani in the Portugal side this evening with the Manchester United midfielder ruled out with an injury. Cristiano Ronaldo does start, while there is also a place for experienced striker Helder Postiga. Russia, meanwhile, leave Alan Dzagoev on the bench, but Alexander Kerzhakov does lead the line. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
PORTUGAL: Patricio; Pereira, Neto, Alves, Coentrao; Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho; Vieirinha, Postiga, Ronaldo
RUSSIA: Akinfeev,; Anyukov, Ignashevich, V. Berezutsky, Zhirkov; Denisov, Shirokov, Faizulin, Kombarov; Bystrov, Kerzhakov
So there we have it. As mentioned, no Nani in the Portugal side this evening, but he is named on the bench. No real surprises in defence with Bruno Alves and Luis Neto selected in the centre, while Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao starts on the left. Monaco's new signing Joao Moutinho, meanwhile, starts in the middle of midfield alongside Raul Meireles.
I suspect the Russia Under-21 camp will not be too pleased with the fact that Dzagoev is only on the bench this evening with the attacker pulling out of their opening match in the Under-21 European Championship to take part this evening. Just one of the Berezutskiy brothers starts, meanwhile, with Vasili taking his spot in the middle of the defence.
Here’s a quick word from Portugal boss Bento, who has seemingly conceded first position in the group, prior to the match. He told reporters: "Our goal is to get to Brazil. We wanted to get there by finishing first. This objective is now very difficult, but we can get there via the play-off. We paid too high a price for mistakes we made in past matches.”
Portugal’s main threat will once more come from Cristiano Ronaldo, who is just four goals from surpassing Eusebio as the second-highest scorer for his country. Meanwhile, the Real Madrid striker is just six goals from the all-time record, which belongs to Pauleta. It would take a brave man to bet against the sensational footballer passing that total.
A World Cup finals without Ronaldo just would not seem right. Rio should be a celebration of the best players on the planet, which the Portuguese certainly is alongside Barcelona and Argentina's Lionel Messi. However, Portugal have been criticised for relying too heavily on their star striker, not just in this qualification process, but over the last few years.
Right, we are just about 10 minutes from kickoff, which can only mean one thing on Sports Mole, time for my pre-match prediction. It is difficult to back against a side that has failed to concede a goal in their first four matches, but I think Portugal will have enough about them to pick up a vital three points in Lisbon.
Just a quick note that there has already been a clash in Group F this evening, with Azerbaijan and Luxembourg sharing the points in a 1-1 draw. It was Ruslan Abbasov that opened the scoring for the home side, before Stefano Bensi levelled late on. However, the two sides remain fifth and sixth in the table respectively.
The atmosphere is really starting to build in the stadium with kickoff fast approaching. You can almost sense the tension from the home supporters, who have turned up in their numbers. The Portuguese fans have been unforgiving in recent months, but three points this evening would certainly aid Bento's hopes of winning them around. Russia are also well supported inside the stadium.
Right, the two sides join us on the pitch. Both national anthems were wonderfully observed, with plenty of serious faces on display, none more so than a certain Ronaldo. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged, we are just about ready to get the action underway in Lisbon.
Just a quick reminder of the main team news. No Nani for Portugal, but Ronaldo and Postiga both start in attack. Russia, meanwhile, start Kerzhakov as their lone forward. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be all-important this evening. Right, the home side get the action underway.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I must once more draw attention to the atmosphere inside the stadium. It is just sensational. First involvement for Ronaldo as the Portuguese skipper collects possession outside the box before driving towards the Russia box, but Anyukov is across to make the challenge. All-action opening couple of minutes as the challenges start to fly in.
It's bright work from the home side once more as Pereira collects possession down the right before driving a cross into the box, but Denisov is back to clear at the vital moment. Coentrao has a similar crossing opportunity down the other side, but he cannot find Ronaldo. The home side are certainly the team forcing the issue in the early stages of this key clash in Group F.
Ronaldo adopts his shoot on sight policy as he collects a pass from Neto before striking towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Not too much for the Russia supporters to get excited about at the moment with their side forced deep into their own half. Neither team has really settled in this red-hot atmosphere in Lisbon.
Good spell for Russia in the last couple of moments with Faizulin and Bystrov seeing more of the ball in the final third. The latter attempts to force the issue with a low cross into the box, but Alves is across to clear. Postiga is found by Ronaldo down the other end moments later, but Akinfeev is quick on the scene. Bright opening eight minutes of football between the two European rivals.
It is Moutinho's turn to attempt the spectacular as he thumps an effort from some 45 yards, but I think it has landed somewhere in Lisbon city centre. Faizulin has a similar idea down the other end, but his effort just flashes past the post. Plenty of suggestions that we will have goals this evening as both sides continue to commit numbers to each attack.
GOAL! Portugal 1-0 Russia (Postiga)
First blood to Portugal! The home side have the lead in Lisbon as Postiga taps a Veloso free kick into the back of the net from close range. Poor defending from Russia, but the home supporters do not mind. What a goal that could be in the context of this group.
You cannot say that Portugal have not deserved to take the lead. They have started this match like a house on fire. It was good work from Ronaldo in the build-up to the goal, but the skipper decided against taking the set piece from a wide position. Russia really need to settle in possession as Portugal continue to dominate.
As it stands, Portugal would move to the top of the group, but would have played two more matches than Russia. First position is still very much in the hands of the away side. Half-chance for Portugal once more as Vierinha strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post.
Russia simply do not know where they are at the moment as Portugal continue to force the issue in the final third. Postiga again tries his luck from inside the box, but it is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered straight under the crossbar, but Akinfeev is first on the scene to clear. He has had a busy opening 16 minutes in Lisbon.
Another half-chance for Postiga as the striker meets a flick from Ronaldo, but he can only guide his effort over the crossbar. Portugal want a penalty moments later as Zhirkov dives into a challenge with Meireles, but the referee is not interested. Still Russia cannot keep hold of the ball as the first period begins to gather pace.
Again the home side threaten to add to their tally as Neto finds the run of Ronaldo with a sweeping pass, but the skipper just cannot control at the final moment. A second goal would certainly make the home supporters feel a lot calmer about the situation. You just get the feeling that Portugal need to find another goal during this spell of utter dominance.
Another penalty shout for the home side as Ronaldo bursts into the box before moving past Anyukov, but the referee is not interested once more. In fairness, the Real Madrid forward did not call too loudly. Meanwhile, Russia are forced into an early change here as Faizulin is replaced by Denis Glushakov. The former did appear to be struggling in the early stages.
Another injury problem surfaces for Russia as Anyukov hits the deck following a challenge with Ronaldo. That is the last thing that Fabio Capello needs in the opening 25 minutes of this match. However, the stoppage in play has at least quelled some of the pressure. It remains 1-0 to Portugal - who have been dominant - with 25 minutes on the clock.
Russia are not forced into a second change with Anyukov returning to the pitch. I suspect that Ronaldo will want to have a run at the full-back as soon as possible. Russia threaten down the other end moments later as Kerzhakov drives into the box, but Patricio is quick off his line to quell the danger. It has been a high-tempo evening of football thus far.
It just isn't quite happening in the final third for Portugal at the moment as another attack comes to an end with Moutinho's pass too powerful for Ronaldo. Another opportunity arrives for Neto moments later, but the same outcome arrives. Ronaldo is always willing to make that run, but he has not had the service thus far.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking opportunities in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in possession of the ball. There is no question that Russia are starting to feel their way into the match, but they have not had a shot on goal thus far. Fascinating tactical battle on show as we approach the latter stages of the first period.
Half-chance for Ronaldo following good work from Vierinha down the right, but the skipper can only clip his effort over the crossbar, much to his frustration. Russia are forced into their second change of the match moments later with Alexey Kozlov replacing Anyukov, who failed to recover from that challenge with Ronaldo. It has not been the best of evenings for the away side thus far, but there is plenty of time for that to change.
Slightly sloppy from Russia in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to hand a number of free kicks to the home side. The latest allows Ronaldo the chance to try his luck, but instead he plays it short, before Moutinho loses possession. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Lisbon.
CHANCE! Clearest sight of goal for Russia by some distance as Glushakov flicks a cross from Zhirkov towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post at the final moment. That is their first real chance on goal, but it could and perhaps should have brought them level. Postiga tries his luck from distance down the other end, but Akinfeev palms it wide.
Big penalty shout from Russia as Alves appears to block a cross with his hand, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given. The resulting corner is delivered into the box by Bystrov, but once more Alves clears. In my view, that was a stonewall penalty. Suddenly it's all Russia as they continue to force high balls into the box.
CHANCE! Again Russia come close to levelling the scores as Shirkov spins in the box, but he can only clip his effort over the crossbar. He had time to take it on his chest, but instead attempted the spectacular. Portugal just have not been in the match in the last five minutes or so.
Ronaldo brings the stadium to its feet as he drives past two defenders to the edge of the Russia box, but he decides to pass rather than look for a shot. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Portugal 1-0 Russia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Portugal leading 1-0 courtesy of a ninth-minute strike from Helder Postiga. The home side were much the better team in the opening 25 minutes, but Russia grew into proceedings in the latter stages. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second half.
STATISTICS: The home side have just shaded the possession with 53%, while they have had five attempts to Russia's three. However, the strike from Postiga is the only attempt on target we have had from either team. There have been no cards issued in what has been a fairly low-key half in terms of challenges.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Nani, Danny, Hugo Almeida and Silvestre Varela. Russia, however, have already been forced into two changes due to injury, but they still have the likes of Dzagoev and Alexander Samedov in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising based on what we have seen thus far. As it stands, Portugal would top Group F, but would have played two more matches than Russia. Right, the away side get the second half underway in Lisbon.
Not the best of starts to the second half for Russia as Kombarov dives into a poor challenge with Meireles, leaving the midfielder on the floor. However, the former Liverpool playmaker is deemed fit to continue following treatment. Ronaldo tries his luck from distance moments later, but it just moved wide of the post.
Scrappy opening to the second half with both sides guilty of a host of poor challenges in the middle third of the pitch. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if we indeed have one - could ultimately decide the final result. Postiga once more has a half-chance from inside the box, but his effort is straight at Akinfeev. Still not too much from Russia in terms of attacking intent.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. Another opportunity arrives for Portugal as Moutinho drives down the left before finding Ronaldo on the edge of the box, but he fires his effort wide of the post. Another goal for the home side would place them in a commanding position that is for certain.
The home supporters continue to make their voices known inside the stadium as Ronaldo leads another attack. However, his pass towards Postiga is just short, with Zhirkov across to clear the danger. Moutinho looks for the run of Postiga moments later, but Akinfeev is out to clear. All one-way traffic with 54 minutes on the clock.
Just a reminder that Russia were forced into two defensive changes in the first period, which has put them at a major disadvantage when it comes to actually winning the match. Meanwhile, the Mexican Wave has erupted around the stadium. Usually that does not say too much about the game, but that is not the case this evening thankfully!
Still Russia continue to struggle to exert their influence in the final third as Alves and Neto sweep up the danger on each occasion. Ronaldo is again involved in an attacking sense as he collects possession outside the box before striking towards goal, but Denisov is on hand to make the block. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Lisbon.
It is almost like a training exercise for the home side at the moment as they continue to pass and probe outside the box. Again Ronaldo is the target as he meets a cross from Coentrao, but the forward can only clip wide of the post. Ronaldo threatens again moments later, but this time the offside flag is raised.
Half-chance for Russia this time as Kerzhakov collects a pass from Shirokov before bursting into the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Patricio, who has not had a lot to do this evening. However, at 1-0, there is always a chance. Portugal really need that second goal.
Again it's sloppy from the home side in the final third as Moutinho attempts to find the run of Ronaldo, only to see his pass cleared by Zhirkov. With a bit more care, Portugal could be 2-0 ahead here. The noise inside the stadium is still there, but there is more of a nervous tension apparent. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining, with Portugal still leading.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but Russia are just starting to see more of the ball in the final third. They have managed just the one attempt on target, but it was a smart save from Patricio. Meanwhile, change for Portugal as Nani enters the field in place of Postiga, who as it stands, has scored the decisive goal in the tie.
Just a reminder that Russia have already made two changes, both of which came in the first period. They make their third with 69 minutes on the clock as Kerzhakov is replaced by Fedor Smolov. The away side continue to force high balls into the box, but Alves and Neto have been equal to the danger thus far. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Lisbon.
You just get the feeling that there is going to be a late sting in the tail here. Portugal lead, but there is plenty of time for that to change. As it stands, the home side would move into first position in the group, but would have played two more matches than Russia. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides.
It's smart work from Ronaldo as the skipper drives past two defenders, but Zhirkov comes across to fell the forward. The resulting free kick is taken by the number seven, but it is straight into the wall. Meanwhile, Portugal make their second change of the match as Meireles is replaced by Ruben Amorim. Can Portugal hold on in the final 15 minutes or so?
Zhirkov is not best pleased as the former Chelsea midfielder is caught in a challenge with Alves, but the referee is not moved by his calls for a yellow card to be handed to his opponent. You can sense the nervousness inside the stadium as the second period enters its latter stages. Russia are enjoying more of the ball, but they have only registered one attempt on target thus far.
Opportunity for Ronaldo as the Portuguese attempts to meet a pass from Amorim, but the offside flag had been raised. Coentrao attempts a similar ball moments later, but Akinfeev is out to claim under pressure from Ronaldo. Still the second goal just will not arrive. It would make things a lot calmer that is for certain.
Another half-chance for the home side as Moutinho collects possession outside the box before striking towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Russia threaten down the other end moments later, but Kombarov had moved into an offside position. Nani leads the subsequent counter before trying his luck, but he can only find the stand.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides going in search of what would be a decisive second of the match. Ronaldo is again involved for Portugal, but he loses possession at the final moment before Smolov is denied down the other end. Both sides are really battling for possession with 83 minutes on the clock.
Right, five minutes of normal time remaining in Lisbon. Russia boss Capello is off his seat waving his arms frantically as Portugal prepare to take a free kick on the left, which eventually comes to nothing. Plenty of nervous faces in the crowd as that final whistle draws either nearer. Three points for Portugal would take them to the top of the group after seven games.
CHANCE! Oh my word there is the chance for Russia. It's wonderful work from Zhirkov who drives down the right before finding Shirokov on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. He just had to score. It would have stunned this stadium into silence. Portugal live to fight another day with little over three minutes of normal time remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Ronaldo to put this game to bed as he bursts into the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but Akinfeev is down low to make a wonderful save. That would have been game, set and match. Russia remain in the game with little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Another half-chance for Russia as Bystrov delivers a set piece into the Portugal box, but Patricio comes through a host of bodies to claim. Can Russia score? They are going to lose their 100% record in the competition thus far I think that is safe to say, but they can still claim a point from this match. We are into the first of three additional minutes in Lisbon.
Not the best of challenges from Moutinho as the Porto midfielder fells Shirokov in the middle of the park, but it has wasted a few more vital seconds. Still Russia force the issue as they pass and probe outside the box, but it appears that Portugal will hold on. Little under a minute remaining as Vieirinha is replaced by Custodio.
FULL-TIME: Portugal 1-0 Russia
So there we have it. Postiga's strike after nine minutes is enough to hand all three points to Portugal, who move to the top of Group H, but they have played two more games than Russia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
