Varela gives Portugal hope

Substitute Silvestre Varela kept alive Portugal's hopes of qualifying from Group B with a late strike that downed Denmark 3-2.

The Porto forward smashed home the winner having come on just four minutes earlier after Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo had missed two straightforward opportunities to put the result beyond Denmark. Portugal's chances had looked increasingly remote with just three minutes remaining after they squandered a two-goal lead.

Goals from Pepe and Helder Postiga had Paulo Bento's side coasting but Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner appeared to have secured a point as he took his tally to six in five matches against the Portugal. The win gave the Portuguese their first points of the tournament and ensured they go to the last match still in with a chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

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