Portugal Under-21 2 Republic of Ireland Under-21 0: Late goals from Abel Camara and Josue condemned Noel King's side to a defeat in a friendly clash in Agueda.

Camara’s spectacular effort was a rare moment of quality in a low-key encounter at the Estadio Municipal de Agueda.

And Josue then took advantage of a horrible misjudgement by Coventry goalkeeper Michael Quirke to further reward the hosts’ second-half dominance.

The first half saw both goalkeepers reduced to virtual spectators as Bebe’s first touch let him down with a clear run at goal beckoning and Mark Connolly blocked the Manchester United youngster’s effort as he again failed to make the most of a dangerous position.

Aaron Doran appealed in vain for a foul after scuffing a shot under gentle pressure with the visitors’ best effort.

Fredy, one of a number of half-time substitutes, saw a shot charged down in a crowded penalty area as the second half started in equally lacklustre fashion.

Ricardo Martins’s set-pieces were causing problems to the Irish defence and Histon full back Lanre Oyebanjo had to head a dangerous free-kick behind at the near post with Joao Faria looking to get the finishing touch.

Ronan Murray was penalised for barging the ball out of home goalkeeper Anthony Lopes’s hands as he pursued Conor Hourihane’s driven cross.

But as the clock ticked to 89 minutes, Abel sized up his options 25 yards out and crashed home a superb drive off the underside of the crossbar.

And Quirke, a half-time replacement for Ian McLoughlin, rashly dribbled past Josue on one occasion but was then caught in possession by the same player and attempted to haul him down as the Venlo midfielder tapped into an empty net.