Liedson pulls Portugal from brink

Liedson's late strike on his debut for his newly adopted country gave Portugal a lifeline as they came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Group 1 leaders Denmark in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Bendtner opener
Portugal fell behind to Nicklas Bendtner's effort three minutes before the interval, before finally getting the goal their late pressure deserved when the Brazilian-born 31-year-old, who recently gained Portuguese citizenship, headed in with four minutes remaining. The draw keeps Denmark top of the section on 17 points from seven games with Portugal still seven adrift of the leaders with just three matches to play.

Portuguese pressure
Portugal attacked from the outset in front of 38,010 at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen with Cristiano Ronaldo firing a pair of early warning shots. Simão and Deco also spurned presentable opportunities, and when the visiting side did hit the target they were unable to find a way past the impressive Stephan Andersen in the Danish goal. Having withstood a first-half barrage, the home side took the lead against the run of play three minutes before the interval when Bendtner fired in Lars Jacobsen's cross from the left.

Liedson levels
Lifted by their goal, Denmark improved noticeably after the break and nearly doubled their lead on 69 minutes when Dennis Rommedahl flashed a low shot just wide. Having survived that scare and with their World Cup hopes on the line, the 2006 semi-finalists stepped up the pressure. Ronaldo came close on 75 minutes and Deco soon after, before Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Liedson came off the bench to head in a corner with time running out. Portugal are next in action against second-placed Hungary on Wednesday when Denmark are away to Albania knowing victory could be enough to win the section.