Portugal beats Iceland 3-1 in Euro 2012 qualifying

Posted Wednesday, October 13, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP)—An early goal from Cristiano Ronaldo set Portugal on its way to a 3-1 win over Iceland on Tuesday in European Championship qualifying.

Ronaldo put the Portuguese ahead with a fourth-minute free kick before Iceland equalized with a header from Heidar Helguson in the 17th.

Raul Meireles restored Portugal’s lead with a fine 30-meter strike in the 27th minute and substitute Helder Postiga wrapped up the win in the 72nd minute to maintain the team’s resurgence under new coach Paulo Bento.

After starting with just one point from two matches, Portugal has won two qualifiers in a row to close within two points of Group H leader Norway. Iceland is still looking for its first point in the group.

Bento replaced Carlos Queiroz as coach last month, taking over a side which was bereft of confidence after a 1-0 defeat to Norway and a 4-4 draw at home to Cyprus.

But the belief came flooding back as Portugal convincingly defeated Denmark 3-1 on Friday and this second victory in a row will keep up the momentum.

Ronaldo stepped up after Carlos Martins had been fouled to give Portugal the lead with the first chance of the match, the Real Madrid forward’s stunning effort giving goalkeeper Gunnleifur Gunnleifsson no chance.

Theodor Bjarnason had a goalbound volley deflected over at the other end but from the resulting corner, goalkeeper Eduardo could only fumble Helguson’s weak header over the line, despite the best efforts of two Portugal players on the line to clear.

Iceland’s lead lasted just 10 minutes as Liverpool midfielder Meireles was given space to stride forward and smash a swerving effort past the leaden-footed Gunnleifsson and into the far corner.

Meireles hit the bar with a fierce shot minutes later as Portugal finished the half the stronger.

Postiga came on for Hugo Almeida in the 65th minute and needed just seven minutes to make his presence felt, tapping home from close range after Ronaldo’s cutback.

Ronaldo could have made the winning margin bigger but the Portugal captain blazed his shot over the bar late on.