* Alves' 93rd minute goal gives Portugal 2-1 win
* Portugal third in Group One behind Denmark and Hungary
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By Shrikesh Laxmidas
TIRANA, June 6 - Portugal needed an injury-time
headed goal from defender Bruno Alves to beat Albania 2-1 in a
World Cup qualifier on Saturday and keep alive their hopes of
reaching next year's tournament in South Africa.
Portugal had taken the lead with a Hugo Almeida header in
the 27th minute after Jose Bosingwa surged forward to supply the
cross. Albania equalised two minutes later when striker Bogdani
beat Bruno Alves in the air to head in Skela's cross.
Portugal are third in Group One with nine points, behind
leaders Denmark on 16 and Hungary with 13 and their last-gasp
win in Albania must be followed by victories in their four
remaining matches for them to top the standings.
The group winners qualify for the finals while the best
eight runners-up from the nine groups go through to a playoff.
Cristiano Ronaldo drove his team forward in the early stages
and was unlucky not to earn a penalty in the 17th minute when he
was fouled in one of his many runs into the box.
But Portugal's forwards failed to dominate a well-organised
and aggressive Albania defence that often resorted to fouls.
Portugal's surprise starter Luis Boa Morte was ineffective and
playmaker Deco could not initiate flowing moves.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz replaced Boa Morte with Simao
Sabrosa at halftime and Portugal began to created more chances.
Simao almost made an instant impact when his powerful drive
flew inches over in the 48th minute. Deco forced Albania's Islli
Hidi to save his low drive after 51 minutes and moments later
the keeper blocked a trademark Ronaldo free-kick.
With Nani replacing Ricardo Carvalho in the 76th minute
Portugal started relying on crosses into the box, and the tactic
paid off in third minute of injury time when Alves headed in the
priceless goal from a long cross by Raul Meireles.
(Reporting by Shrikesh Laxmidas in Lisbon; Editing by Ken
Ferris)