BRATISLAVA, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Portugal's Bruno Fernandes scored in the first half to earn a 1-0 away win over Slovakia in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday as they moved five points clear of their opponents atop Group J and maintained their perfect record after five games.
Fernandes' low strike two minutes from halftime beat Martin Dubravka inside his far post as the midfielder marked his 29th birthday with his third goal in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Portugal had made a faltering start against Slovakia, who had two good chances inside the opening 15 minutes through forward Robert Polievka and winger Lukas Haraslin.
Portugal, who host Luxembourg on Monday, have 15 points followed by Slovakia, who have 10 along with third-placed Luxembourg after they beat Iceland 3-1.
Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Portugal's Bruno Fernandes, Fernandes, Martin Dubravka, Robert Polievka, Lukas Haraslin, Haraslin, Roberto Martinez's, Anita Kobylinska, Ken Ferris
Organizations:
Slovakia, Portugal, Luxembourg, Thomson
Locations:
BRATISLAVA, Portugal, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Iceland, Porto, Gdansk