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Portugal held by Northern Ireland

November 16, 2005 12:02 IST

World Cup qualifiers Portugal were held 1-1 at a rain-soaked Windsor Park in Belfast on Tuesday.

A goal early in the second half from Luton Town striker Warren Feeney earned the hosts a share of the spoils after Portugal had gone in front on 40 minutes when Stephen Craigan deflected a Cristiano Ronaldo cross into his own goal.

Portugal could have made it 2-0 just before halftime when record goalscorer Pedro Pauleta whipped a shot past goalkeeper Maik Taylor but his effort was ruled offside.

Northern Ireland, who beat England in a World Cup qualifier in September, hit back after 51 minutes when Feeney headed in a free kick from Sheffield United winger Keith Gillespie.