Portugal 2-2 Poland: Last-gasp Poles

Group A

	Portugal 2 - 2 Poland 44' 0 - 1 Mariusz Lewandowski 50' Nuno Maniche 1 - 1 73' Cristiano Ronaldo 2 - 1 88' 2 - 2 Jacek Krzynowek
2		2

Match Highlights:

Portugal and Poland battled to a 2-2 draw at the Estadio da Luz, with neither side playing to the best of its capabilities.

The hosts slipped to allow two goals from a visiting side that did not inspire much, while they could not make their advantage count at the other end.

Portugal's possession play failed to reap benefits in a largely entertaining encounter.

Such was the story of the first half. Indeed, Portugal's best chance came from a set piece, Cristiano Ronaldo narrowly failing to find the net as his free kick cracked off the post.

Portugal, though, had failed to find a rhythm, and their carelessness - and makeshift back line - made them pay just before half time.

Lewandowski bundled the ball past Ricardo from the edge of the box after the 'keeper had parried a vicious long-range effort.

Portugal immediately came back into it after half time, the impressive Maniche getting on the end of Nuno Gomes' pass to fire home from close range.

Minutes later and it should have been 2-1 as the Portugal of old briefly resurfaced, Nuno Gomes just tipping the ball wide as he slid into a ball across goalmouth.

Cristiano Ronaldo and substitue Quaresma combined well to make it 2-1.

After a great cross from the right, the Manchester United star Ronaldo used his strength and agility to control the ball and then loop it home from close range, despite the attention of his marker.

But then the Equipa das Quinas slid back into their first half ways, and were made to pay right at the death as Poland levelled the scores.

It was virtually Poland's first attack of the half, and came from an error by Ricardo.

The Portuguese goalkeeper flapped at a long-range drive and appeared to get the last touch before the ball crossed the line, breaking Portuguese hearts after Jacek Kryznowek's shot seemed to be cleanly dealt with.

The Wolfsburg midfielder's effort had power and direction, but still should have proved easy fodder for the new Betis goalkeeper.

It was too late for Portugal to stage another recovery, and they will reflect on what might have been as they remain two points behind Finland in Group A, sitting third on 16.

Source: Soccernet.com