Portugal U21s beat Bulgaria to keep pressure on England

Portugal 2-0 Bulgaria

Second-half goals from Joao Moreira and Saleiro gave Portugal a 2-0 home win over Bulgaria to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the European U21 Championships in 2009.

Rui Cacador’s team dominated from the offset, and Paulo Machado, Joao Moreira and Manuel Fernandes all worked themselves good chances to open the scoring in the first half but were unable to beat the visitors’ goalkeeper, Mihaylov.

The deadlock was broken on 65 minutes when Manuel Fernandes’ free-kick was too hot for Mihaylov to handle and Joao Moreira was in the right place at the right time to knock in the rebound.

Two minutes later and victory was made certain as Saleiro went on a fine solo run and shot into the net from outside the area.

In a frenetic period of play Bulgaria almost pulled back a goal immediately, but Ricardo Baptista made a sharp save to keep the two-goal lead intact.

                                    Group 3 Standings

Portugal now face a difficult trip to group leaders England, before finishing the campaign with a home match against Ireland.

Only two victories will be enough to ensure Portugal finish top of the group, thus guaranteeing the right to dispute a play-off to make the finals.

Portugal:
Ricardo Baptista, Pereirinha, Vasco Fernandes, Manuel da Costa, Antunes, Manuel Fernandes, Pele (Hélder Barbosa, 63), Paulo Manchado, Vieirinha, Joao Moreira (Celestino, 80), Bruno Gama (Saleiro, 46)
Yellow Cards: Vieirinha, Manuel Fernandes

Goals:
[1-0] Joao Moreira, 65
[2-0] Saleiro, 67