Portugal win sets up Poland decider

José Couceiro's first match in charge proved fruitful as Portugal defeated Latvia 2-0 in Riga to join Poland on three points at the top of UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 7.

Strong start
Portugal started superbly and Silvestre Varela and Ricardo Vaz Té each passed by presentable openings to score inside the opening eleven minutes, setting the tone for an opening 45 minutes in which the visitors failed to break through a resolute Latvian defence. That changed in the 61st minute as Vitória FC forward Varela dribbled past two defenders and beat Pavels Steinbors for the opening goal.

Machado goal
The same player could have doubled the advantage three minutes later but shot just wide, while Pavels Surnins perhaps should have restored parity in the 73rd minute after a free-kick had caused confusion in the Portugal penalty area. Vaz Té then shot against the crossbar before Paulo Machado struck a decisive second on 82 minutes following neat approach play from Filipe Oliveira down the right flank.

Dismissal
The dismissal of Latvia forward Aleksandrs Abramenko in added time had no bearing on the result, and Portugal now entertain Poland near Porto on Tuesday with a place in October's play-offs at stake.