Portugal settle for second after Poland stalemate

Portugal missed the chance to leapfrog Russia at the top of Group 6 after they were held 0-0 by Poland in Gdynia.

As Russia concluded their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Moldova, Rui Jorge's side would have finished top on the head-to-head rule had they picked up three points in this, their final 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship group qualifier.

However, they were unable to take their chances against a Poland team already consigned to third place, notably when substitute Abel Camará failed to turn in Salvador Agra's cross at close range with 13 minutes remaining. As a result, they finished with 15 points from their eight matches.

After Portugal had controlled possession in a first half of few opportunities, the game opened up as both sides sought a winner in the second period. Michał Żyro, author of Poland's only effort of note before the break, threatened with a free-kick, then André Martins and Wilson Eduardo went close for the visitors.

After Camará's key miss, Mateusz Mak, Piotr Malarczyk and Jakub Świerczok all brought saves out of Portugal's Anthony Lopes in an exciting finish. Eduardo might have stolen it for the visitors at the last, but was foiled by goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski four minutes into added time.