Soccer-Supersub Varela sparks Portugal's win over Azerbaijan

LISBON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Silvestre Varela again proved

his worth by coming off the bench to break the deadlock with his

first touch and set Portugal on their way to a 3-0 win over

Azerbaijan in their 2014 World Cup Group F qualifier on Tuesday.

After much frustration and wasted chances for the

Portuguese, Varela slotted home in the 64th minute. The winger

also made a big impact as a substitute in Euro 2012 when he

scored to secure a last-gasp group stage win over Denmark in

June.

Portugal were never sure of victory on Tuesday until striker

Helder Postiga and defender Bruno Alves scored in quick

succession in the last five minutes.

Braga's distinctive "Quarry" stadium welcomed 30,000 fans

who were not disappointed by the home side's attacking display,

but were made to wait anxiously for a goal.

Azerbaijan, forged in the steely ways of their coach, former

Germany defender Berti Vogts, fought resiliently and kept the

hosts at bay in the first half.

But Portugal, now with two wins from two in Group F, kept

pressing on and were rewarded eventually when substitute Varela

picked up a loose ball that was fumbled away from a Cristiano

Ronaldo effort and drilled it in.