Portugal’s men o’ war in play-offs

PORTUGAL booked themselves a place in the European play-offs for next year’s World Cup after an easy 4-0 Group One victory over Malta.

Despite the absence of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, goals from Nani, Simao Sabrosa, Miguel Veloso and Edinho made it a comfortable evening for Carlos Queiroz’s side in Guimaraes. Portugal now go into next month’s double-header against another group runner-up – which could see them face Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland.

The Portuguese recovered well after a dismal first half of their bid to reach South Africa, and will surely now fancy their chances of reaching the finals, given they will be among the seeded teams in next Monday’s draw.