ANGOLA 0 PORTUGAL 1 - MATCH REPORT
Toby Higgins

Portugal's superior ability showed as they defeated a determined Angola side in this Group D clash.

Portugal had threatened to run away with the game after Pauleta put them ahead on 4minutes following a surging run by Luis Figo, but other than Cristiano Ronaldo's headed effort that came back off the cross bar, the favourites struggled to break down a dogged Angolan defence.

Just five years ago, Portugal beat Angola 5-1 in a 'friendly' that had to be abandoned after Angola had seven men dismissed, but there was no repeat of those scenes in a game that rarely threatened to boil over.

As the game went on, Portugal began to look edgy in hunt of the second goal that would wrap up the victory, but smart saves from Ricardo in the Angolan goal kept Maniche and Pauleta from increasing the deficit.

And as the game drew towards it finale, Angola struggled to create any real chances, leaving Portugal to secure a comfortable opening game win.

Portugal will be delighted to have avoided the upset and will be expecting to make it out of their group for the first time in a World Cup since 1966. Angola will take great heart from their performance and while they are unlikely to be involved in the qualification battle themselves, they could prove a stumbling block for either Mexico or Iran, and so could still play a part in deciding who goes through.

Man of the Match: Luis Figo - The ageing golden boy of Portuguese football shone in an otherwise drab match, his position in the centre of the midfield meaning he wasn't restricted to either flank and allowing him to take men on. His run lead to Portugal's winner, and he showed flashes of brilliance throughout.

MEXICO v ANGOLA MATCH BETTING HERE
PORTUGAL v IRAN MATCH BETTING HERE

Venue: Rhein Energie Stadion
Attendance: 45,000
Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Europe)

AUSTRALIA v JAPAN MATCH PROGRAMME

USA v CZECH REPUBLIC MATCH PROGRAMME

ITALY v GHANA MATCH PROGRAMME


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