FARO, Portugal (AP) -- Cristiano Ronaldo equalized three minutes from time as Portugal salvaged a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in a friendly Wednesday.
Ronaldo poked the ball in at the front post after a corner for his 40th international goal, cancelling out Kevin Strootman's 17th-minute opener.
The Dutch team's recent good form gave it the edge for most of the game, though it needed some inspired second-half defending to keep the Portuguese out until Ronaldo's late breakthrough.
Arjen Robben repeatedly unsettled the Portuguese defense, but Oranje captain Robin van Persie was mostly a spectator before being replaced after an hour.
The Dutch have won their first six World Cup qualifying games while Portugal has recorded four wins, two draws and a loss in its bid to reach the tournament in Brazil.
