Portugal Misfire Again

Cristiano Ronaldo was again unable to inspire Portugal to victory, leaving them precariously poised in their World Cup Qualifying group - their last win was in the opening game, some three matches ago!

In spite of playing at home against an Albanian side that was hard-working at best, Portugal failed to break them down. Ronaldo came closest in the first-half with a stunning free-kick that dashed just wide.

Albania had a man sent off after 50 minutes for a forearm smash on Ronaldo, but still Portugal lacked the goal to show for their 26 shots, although in the dying minutes a header hit the post!

Denmark now top the group with 7 points after 3 games, Hungary have 7 points after 4 games, and Portugal have just 5 after 4 games.

Portugal: Quim; Miguel (Nuno Gomes, 74), Pepe, Bruno Alves, Paulo Ferreira; Manuel Fernandes, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho (Nani, 54), Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Almeida, Danny (Ricardo Quaresma, 54).