TIRANA, Albania (AP) -Bruno Alves scored an injury-time goal Saturday to give Portugal a 2-1 win at Albania to revive its hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
The defender jumped to connect with a deep cross from Raul Meireles Alves and head past goalkeeper Isli Hidi in the third minute of stoppage time.
Portugal, which was coming off three straight scoreless draws, is now third with nine points in Group 1 - seven behind Denmark and four back from Hungary.
Portugal led 1-0 in the 27th when Jose Bosingwa's cross eluded three Albanians and gave Hugo Almeida a free header.
Albania, playing its first match under new Croatian coach Josip Kuze, equalized two minutes later through Erjon Bogdani's header from a cross by Ervin Skela.
"Albania played well and deserved a draw but that's football - played to the last minute," Bogdani said.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo failed to really threaten despite playing at center forward most of the second half. He came closest in the 55th, with a free kick that was saved by Hidi.
"It was bad to suffer a last-minute goal after a good play against an excellent team," Kuze said.
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Lineups:
Albania: Isli Hidi, Elvin Beqiri, Kristi Vangjeli, Endrit Vrapi, Lorik Cana, Debatik Curri, Ansi Agolli, Ervin Bulku, Ervin Skela, Klodian Duro (Besart Berisha, 87), Erjon Bogdani (Hamdi Salihi, 64).
Portugal: Eduardo, Bruno Alves, Jose Bosingwa, Duda, Ricardo Carvalho (Nani, 76), Cristiano Ronaldo, Boa Morte (Simao Sabrosa, 46), Hugo Almeida (Edinho, 69), Deco, Pepe, Raul Meireles.
