- Title: PORTUGAL: CZECHOSLOVAKS HOLD PORTUGAL TO REACH WORLD CUP SOCCER FINALS
- Date: 15th November 1989
- Summary: LISBON (NOVEMBER 15), CZECHOSLOVAKIA IN WHITE 2ND HALF - Cesar Brito shoots wide of Czech goal Portuguese free kick well saved by Jan Stejskal Final whistle, Czechs celebrate
- Embargoed: 30th November 1989 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Portugal, Portugal
- City:
- Country: Portugal
- Topics: General,Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA9ENHFCQXI9NJ9ROFF01Y658GW
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: Lisbon, Portugal Czechoslovakia easily held Portugal to a goalless draw in Lisbon on November 15 to reach next year's World Cup soccer finals in Italy.
The Portuguese, needing to win by four goals, huffed and puffed throughout the 90 minutes, but failed to break down a well-disciplined Czech defence which held firm to make sure of qualifying by finishing second in group seven.
Cesar Brito spurned Portugal's best chances when he blasted the ball wide from five metres in the 70th minute and, four minutes later, shot weakly against Czechoslovak goalkeeper Jan Stejskal when clean through.
"My players followed their instructions to the letter and I am delighted that we're going to Italy," said Czechoslovak coach Josef Venglos as frustrated home fans pelted the pitch with oranges.
Group 7 final standings - P#W#D#L#F#A#Pts Belgium#8#4#4#0#15#5#12 Czechoslvkia#8#5#2#1#13#3#12 Portugal#8#4#2#2#11#8#10 Switzerland#8#2#1#5#10#14#5 <strong>Source: REUTERS - Pinto</strong> - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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