Tajikistan endured a difficult start as they went behind after only two minutes when Pany used Dilshod Salomov as a shield to block Firuz Bekmurodov’s view before slamming the ball in at the near post.

Bekmurodov continued to be the busier of the two goalkeepers, saving one from Lucio Rocha before escaping from going further behind from an Afonso shot that was skewed wide.

Portugal would not be denied in the 11th minute, an individual effort from Zicky who beat two defenders before a drag move deceived Bekmurodov, allowing him to slot home.

Tajikistan regrouped to defend better in the remainder of the first half with one exception, allowing Afonso to take aim with two minutes left to play but Bekmurodov stood strong to deny the Portuguese.

Portugal had a great chance to increase their lead in the 26th minute after a quick counter attacking move put Fabio in a one-on-one situation with Bekmurodov with the Tajikistan goalkeeper spreading himself well to block the attempt.

Tajikistan managed to reduce the deficit a minute later when a corner kick routine saw Kamron Aliev drilling a low shot past Edu, who saw the ball too late to react.

Portugal restored their two-goal advantage in the 28th minute through Erick with Tajikistan finding another in the final minute thanks to Bakhtiyor Soliev’s backheel but that was to be it as the European side sealed their second straight win to confirm their knockout stage spot.