Reykjavik: Cristiano Ronaldo scored from an early free kick as rejuvenated Portugal continued their Euro 2012 qualifying revival with a 3-1 win over Iceland on Tuesday.
New coach Paulo Bento has overseen back-to-back wins since replacing Carlos Queiroz last month, putting Portugal back into contention in Group H after starting their campaign with a draw against Cyprus and a defeat to Norway.
"The only negative thing from the game was conceding another goal from a dead ball situation, as we had done against Denmark on Friday," Bento said.
"But we have to highlight that in an adverse moment, when Iceland levelled, our team reacted well, continued to control the game and earned a deserved win."
Slow reaction
Ronaldo's third minute strike after a foul on Carlos Martins in front of the Icelandic box was not as powerful as his usual efforts, but keeper Gunnleifur Gunnleifsson was slow to react and let the ball go in.
"I chose where I wanted to place the ball and thankfully scored the goal that paved the way for the win," said Ronaldo.
"We're happy, we can breathe a little as we remain in the fight to qualify."
