World Cup: Portugal win reduces Ireland's odds

Cyprus 1, Portugal 3 (full-time)

Portugal tonight killed off Holland’s lingering chance of reaching next year’s World Cup - and reduced the odds of Ireland earning automatic qualification from Group Two.

The Dutch needed Cyprus to do the improbable and beat the mighty Portuguese but Nuno Gomes and Co emerged 3-1 winners.

However, at half-time the Cypriots were leading through Michalis Constantinou and it took second-half goals from Gomes, Pauleta and Sergio Conceicao to calm Portuguese nerves and induce Dutch misery.

Victory for the Portugeuse against Estonia on October 6 will condemn Ireland to a play-off against a qualifier from Asia.