UPDATE 1-Soccer-Late Bruno Alves goal revives Portugal hopes

Sat Jun 6, 2009 11:41pm BST
 
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* Alves' 93rd minute goal gives Portugal 2-1 win

* Portugal third in Group One behind Denmark and Hungary

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By Shrikesh Laxmidas

TIRANA, June 6 (Reuters) - Portugal needed an injury-time headed goal from defender Bruno Alves to beat Albania 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday and keep alive their hopes of reaching next year's tournament in South Africa.

Portugal had taken the lead with a Hugo Almeida header in the 27th minute after Jose Bosingwa surged forward to supply the cross. Albania equalised two minutes later when striker Bogdani beat Bruno Alves in the air to head in Skela's cross.

Portugal are third in Group One with nine points, behind leaders Denmark on 16 and Hungary with 13 and their last-gasp win in Albania must be followed by victories in their four remaining matches for them to top the standings.

The group winners qualify for the finals while the best eight runners-up from the nine groups go through to a playoff.

Cristiano Ronaldo drove his team forward in the early stages and was unlucky not to earn a penalty in the 17th minute when he was fouled in one of his many runs into the box.  Continued...

 

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