FC Porto's hopes of a place in the final of the International Youth Tournament were dashed by the most unlikely of scorelines.

Last night's 4-0 loss confined the Portuguese to the wooden spoon spot while America, who lost their first two matches while conceding eight goals, reached Friday's final on goal difference.

Going into the nightcap against group leaders Glasgow Rangers, Bermuda were plus one, US minus one and Porto minus four in a three-way tie.

Porto were probably a little too confident going into their match, knowing that Bermuda faced the toughest opponents in Rangers. However, the US had other ideas and with each goal their chances of finishing second improved.

The first came in the 41st minute and was one of the best goals of the tournament so far. The ball was knocked around near the edge of the penalty area before Kenzo Tochiko smashed a first shot that hit the inside of a post before going in.

There had been a host of chances before then, with Porto having strong claims for a penalty turned down by visiting referee Ziggy Manchinsky when Tiago Silva was sandwiched by two players as he raced into the box in the 33rd minute.

Carlos Gonsalves of Porto was booked in the 40th minute for a deliberate handball and team-mate Helder Postiga joined him for showing dissent. Right at the half goalkeeper Danny Clay got away with a shove after dropping a freekick from Gonsalves.

Even the departure of goalscorer Tochiko to a foot injury in the 55th minute did not slow up the Americans who almost doubled their lead minutes later when a low shot from Daniel Bolin brought off a good diving save from goalkeeper Nuno Lopes.

Two goals in the space of two minutes brought the US into the qualifying equation, the first coming from an Andrew Crabble header from a corner on the the left in the 65th minute and the second via the penalty spot when a handball was spotted. Filippo Chillemi tucked his spotkick neatly inside the 'keeper's right-hand post.

The local Porto fans were silenced further when Simao Campos' header made it 4-0 six minutes from the end.

Photos by David Skinner NO WAY THROUGH -- Portugal's FC Porto found their path to the International Youth Tournament final blocked by the United States. Top, US goalkeeper Danny Clay ends a Porto raid, while above, defender Dan Comer (4) makes an interception in a 4-0 win last night.