Figo leads Portugal in World Cup qualifier

Luis Figo scored on a dazzling header in the 79th minute Saturday, giving Portugal a 1-1 tie at Ireland in World Cup qualifying.

In another European Group 2 game, the Netherlands escaped by scoring three times in the last seven minutes to beat Estonia 4-2 in Tallinn. Ruud van Nistelrooy had two goals for the Dutch.

Ireland leads the group, a point ahead of the Netherlands. Portugal is two points further behind.

Figo, soccer's most expensive player, helped create the winning play. He twisted through the Irish defense, passed to the right wing and eventually headed in a shot from 6 yards off a return cross.

Roy Keane opened the scoring for Ireland in the 65th minute with a shot that deflected off a defender.

Portugal was without Fernando Couto, who was suspended by soccer's ruling body for a positive drug test. Couto, who insists he is innocent, flew to Dublin to play until FIFA announced the suspension Thursday.