Portugal moved to the top of Group F this evening as a Helder Postiga strike secured a 1-0 win in their qualifying clash against Russia.

The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute when Miguel Veloso's cross found its way to Postiga inside the penalty area and the striker made no mistake firing the ball into the net.

© AP Photos

Portugal nearly doubled their lead in the 30th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo found space on the edge of the box but he fired his shot just over the bar after being teed up by Vieirinha.

Just before the break, Roman Shirokov latched on to Sergei Ignashevtich's headed pass but he couldn't hit the target from close range.

After half time, Russia pressed for an equaliser and Alexandr Kerzakhov tested Rui Patricio from distance but the keeper made a comfortable save.

Minutes later, Vladimir Bystrov went close as he and Denis Glushakov linked up, but the midfielder could only fire wide of the target.

Russia continued to search for an equaliser but that left them open at the back and Ronaldo almost snagged a second for the home side, but his shot was well saved by Igor Akinfeev.

However, Portugal were able to secure the win to move above the visitors in Group F in qualifying.