Portugal extended their lead at the top of World Cup, European Qualifying Group Two with an expected win over Andorra in Lisbon last night. The 3-0 win leaves the Portuguese five points clear of the Republic of Ireland, although Mick McCarthy's side have a game in hand and Portugal must yet travel to Dublin.
Portugal got off to a good start, Luis Figo, the world's most expensive player, putting them ahead after only one minute when easily beating Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Alvarez from inside the box after receiving a through ball from Rui Costa.
Portugal settled into a slow passing game that barely allowed the Pyreneean visitors across the half-way line, but were unable to convert any chances until Pauleta scored with a header in the 36th minute after Figo crossed from the right. Figo grabbed Portugal's third goal in the 48th minute when he converted a deft pass from Nuno Gomes.
In Group Six, Belgium scored 10 goals for the first time in their international history as they beat San Marino 10-1 in Brussels. Substitute Bob Peeters scored a hattrick in 12 minutes late in the game. Yves Vanderhaeghe (2), Bart Goor (2), Emile Mpenza, Walter Basseggio and Marc Wilmots added the others.
PORTUGAL: Quim; Xavier, Rui Jorge, Couto, Beto, Paulo Bento, Rui Costa, Conceicao, Figo, Nuno Gomes, Pauleta. Subs: Capucho for Couto (46 mins), Joao Pinto for Bento (63 mins), Tomas for Nuno Gomes (75 mins).
ANDORRA: Alvarez; Pol, Ramirez, Jonas, Lucendo, Luena, Gonzalez, Sonejee, Ruiz, Dernaus, Sanchez. Subs: Jordi Escura for Gonzalez (61 mins), Xavier Soria for Lucendo, Genis Garcia for Sanchez (both 89 mins).
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