Postiga denies North famous win

Portugal 1 Northern Ireland 1

Ronaldo, and his illustrious team-mates, dominated possession and chances both before and after Niall McGinn’s opener that but they had to wait until the 80th minute for Helder Postiga to turn home a scrappy equaliser.

A point will be celebrated by a Northern Ireland side who were held at home by lowly Luxembourg last time out, but their bravery in the face of an attacking onslaught from Ronaldo and company so nearly yielded even more.

O’Neill sent out a compact 4-5-1 formation, resisting the temptation to start with Dean Shiels as a link between midfield and attack.

The 25-yard effort was hardly befitting of the occasion, a scuffed attempt that rolled harmlessly wide about as much as he offered.

The Northern Irish goal came after Jonny Evans launched the ball up front and Kyle Lafferty did well to get it down to his feet and under control.

The Portuguese defence, pressing up the pitch, were caught napping and when McGinn raced forward into space, Lafferty found him with the perfect pass.

The Aberdeen winger was one on one with Patricio and calmly lifted his shot over the goalkeeper before celebrating wildly with the travelling supporters.

But they were cruelly denied in the 80th minute, the previously off-colour Postiga stabbing home in a goalmouth scramble.

PORTUGAL: Rui Patricio; Alves,Pepe, Miguel Lopes,Joao Pereira; Veloso,Joao Moutinho, Ruben Micael (Varela 61), Nani; Ronaldo, Postiga.

NORTHERN IRELAND: Carroll; Hughes, McGivern, Cathcart, J Evans; Baird, McGinn, Davis, C Evans; Norwood, Lafferty.

Referee: T Kinhoefer (Germany)