Ukra keeps Portugal hanging on

Ukra scored the only goal after 18 minutes as Portugal defeated Lithuania 1-0 to collect their third win in Group 9 and move to within a point of second-placed England.

The 22-year-old headed in David Simão's corner to put Portugal back in contention in the section ahead of their meeting with England in Barcelos on 3 September.

The visiting side created the first opening of the night and though home goalkeeper Vytautas Černiauskas somehow blocked André Castro's header, Ukra struck seven minutes later. Portugal came close to doubling their advantage on 25 minutes only for Černiauskas to tip away Simão's curling shot.

Portugal dominated the opening period but only had one goal to show for their efforts and were nearly made to pay after the break as Lithuania came back into the game. Midway through the half Mantas Fridrikas should have done better from close range off Marius Papšys's corner and four minutes later Rui Patrício saved brilliantly from Fedor Chernykh as Oceanu Cruz's side held on for the points.

Victory leaves Portugal third on ten points, one behind England and six off leaders Greece with games against England and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to come. Lithuania, in fourth, play England in their final game on 7 September.