Substitute striker Nuno Gomes scored four goals to help Portugal crush Andorra 7-1 on Saturday and take another step towards qualification for next year's World Cup finals.

Portuguese coach Antonio Oliveira substituted defender Jorge Costa with striker Nuno Gomes in the 33rd minute and just three minutes later Gomes scored.

Gomes, who is being chased by English champions Manchester United, according to Saturday's Portuguese sports daily O Jogo, set up Pedro Pauleta's goal in the 38th minute to put Portugal 2-0 up.

Portugal are second in European Group Two with 18 points, three behind leaders Ireland but with a game in hand and are now favourites to win the group as their last games are against teams already eliminated - Cyprus and Estonia.