Portugal stumble against Armenia in Euro 2008 qualifier

By DPA

Hamburg : Portugal could only manage a 1-1 draw against Armenia in a Euro 2008 football qualifier in Yerevan while Group A rivals Finland took full advantage with a victory over Kazakhstan.


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Robert Arzumanyan put the home side in front after 12 minutes, heading in Artavazd Karamyan’s free-kick, but a piece of magic from Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo in Wednesday’s clash saw Portugal equalise eight minutes before the break.

The result sees Portugal drop to third in the group with 15 points, two points behind Finland, who beat Kazakhstan 2-1 in Tampere.

Alexei Eremenko Jr opened the scoring for the hosts but Dmitriy Byakov equalised for Kazakhstan before Teemu Tainio netted a second-half winner.

The Finns may sit second behind Poland but have played one game more than Portugal. Poland, who drew 2-2 with Russia in a friendly, heads the group with 19 points from nine matches.

In the final game in Group A, Belgium kept their slim hopes of qualification alive as two goals from Moussa Dembele helped secure a 3-2 win over Serbia.

Northern Ireland moved second in Group F above Spain after a 3-1 win over Liechtenstein.

Fulham striker David Healy netted twice in the first half and Kyle Lafferty made it 3-0 with a powerful strike before Liechtenstein striker Mario Frick scored a late consolation goal.

Nigel Worthington’s side now have 16 points from seven games, two behind leaders Sweden but one clear of Spain, who beat Greece 3-2 in a friendly match.

In Group E, Estonia earned their first points of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Andorra while Cyprus managed a 1-0 victory over San Marino in Group D.

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