Portugal scored three times in the last 30 minutes to beat Azerbaijan 3-0 Tuesday for its second straight win in World Cup qualifying.
Substitute Silvestre Varela scored with his first touch of the game in the 63rd minute, side-footing in a loose ball after a rebound from Cristiano Ronaldo's shot. It was the FC Porto striker's first international goal since grabbing a late winner as a substitute in a 3-2 win over Denmark at Euro 2012.
Ronaldo was also involved in Portugal's second goal five minutes from the end, as Helder Postiga tapped in the Real Madrid forward's deflected header.
Bruno Alves headed in four minutes later as Portugal's misfiring attack found its touch after hitting the woodwork four times in a game it dominated.
The Portuguese, who reached the semifinals of the European Championship in June, struggled to make their possession tell.
Azerbaijan goalkeeper Kamran Agayev added to Portugal's difficulties with some spectacular saves, including lunges that denied Alves and Raul Meireles.
Portugal has two wins from two games in Group F after beating Luxembourg 2-1 last week, though it was also late to produce its best form in that game after falling behind.
