Denmark Conquer Sweden As Last-Minute Portugal Keep 2010 Hopes Alive

Portugal needed a goal deep into injury time to eventually defeat Albania and keep them in contention in their World Cup Qualifying group.

Defender Bruno Alves struck in the third minute of added time at the end of the match to secure the precious three points for Portugal, enough to probably keep coach Carlos Queiroz in a job until at least the start of next season.

Striker Hugo Almeida had initially given Queiroz’s side the lead in the 28^thminute, but this lead lasted barely a minute before the home side struck straight back with an equaliser from Erjon Bogdani.

Portugal appeared to be heading for their fourth consecutive draw in the group before Alves late goal salvaged the three points and moved them to within four points of second-placed Hungary who they still have to play twice next season.

The other game in the group saw Denmark travel to Solna to take on Sweden and it was Morten Olsen’s visiting side that would leave with the win which moved them three points clear at the top of the group.

However, it could have all been so different for the Swedes when they were awarded a penalty early on in the first-half, but Kim Kallstrom’s effort from the spot was poor and Thomas Sorenson pulled off the save.

Ten minutes later at the mid-point of the first-half and Sweden were made to pay for missing such a golden opportunity when Denmark’s Thomas Kahlenberg seized on a defensive error to fire in what would prove to be the winning goal.

Sweden are now ten points behind their Scandinavian neighbours and seven behind Hungary, albeit with a game in hand.

They face Maltaon Wednesday in the last group match of the season but will do so without captain Henrik Larsson who was yesterday forced to quit the national camp ahead of the qualifier after the death of his younger brother.

Group 1 Results, Fixtures and Standings

Sat 06 June       Albania 1 – 2 Portugal

                        Sweden 0 – 1 Denmark

Wed 10 June     Sweden vs. Malta, (Gothenburg)

                        P   PTS

1 Denmark        6   16

2 Hungary         6   13

3 Portugal         6   9

4 Sweden          5   6

5 Albania           8   6

6 Malta             7   1