Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz is hopeful his charges will improve and make the World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Albania.

Admir Teli was sent off for the visitors just before half-time after only coming on as a substitute in the 24th minute and, shorn of the creative talents of Maniche and Deco, Portugal could not find a way through.

It capped a miserable week for Queiroz's men, who failed to find the target in Saturday's 0-0 stalemate against Sweden, which followed a 3-2 defeat to Denmark last month.

Portugal and Albania sit level on five points with the Swedes, who have a game in hand, and behind the Danes and Hungary, who both have seven.

"It is a big frustrating result," said Queiroz. "We are disappointed because we never expected this draw against Albania at home, mainly because Albania played most of the game with 10 men. We acknowledge that our performance was poor.

"I do not know what else was needed to win a game. We had so many chances and we did not score a single goal."

Cristiano Ronaldo came closest for the hosts, but his free-kick was comfortably saved by Albania keeper Arian Beqaj.

The Manchester United winger was then on the end of a hand in the face from Teli, who received a second booking after less than 20 minutes on the pitch.

Portugal upped a gear after the break in an attempt to make their numerical supremacy count and Hugo Almeida was twice denied by Beqaj, first with a header and then a fierce shot which was tipped on to a post.

Nani could have grabbed all three points four minutes from time but Beqaj saved brilliantly with his legs.

"It was a game in one direction. Albania defended most of the game," added Queiroz.

"Our players did everything they could to win this game, but it was not possible. We are sad.

"I leave a message to the fans, that whatever game is still to be played, we will face with a clear aim: To win, we want to win as many games as possible to reach the World Cup."