Estonia Hold Portugal To A Draw

With some of Portugal's best players already on holidays after Saturday's World Cup qualifying win over Albania, coach Carlos Queiroz kept just two starters against Estonia: Ricardo Carvalho and Luis Boa Morte.

Estonia had the first chance on goal 15 minutes into the game, when Zenjov fired in a cross to the waiting Purje but his header went straight at Beto.

In the 30th minute, Estonia keeper Mart Poom came off for Pareiko. The former Arsenal custodian has retired from football and will pursue a coaching career in north London.

Portugal had a good chance on 41 minutes as Nani squared the ball to Eliseu but the striker's effort went wide of the bar.

There were no changes at half-time and, just like the first period, Estonia were able to create the first chance as Zenjov fired a powerful shot from outside the box that went wide of the left post.

Estonia looked clearly stronger at this stage and Beto was forced to make a diving save to deny a free kick shot from Kink 11 minutes into the second half.

The Portuguese keeper made another flying save on 64 minutes to deny a header from Voskoboinikov.

The visitors did little to score in the second period and the changes made by Queiroz were unable to improve the side's fortunes.

Portugal continue their poor run of form and, without several key figures, will have to thank Beto for keeping the match scoreless.

Luis Mira, Goal.com