June 11, 2006
FIRST STRIKE
This time Portugal gets it in 1-0 win

COLOGNE, Germany – Portugal learned a tough lesson four years ago: allowing an early goal in the World Cup opener sets a bad tone for the tournament.

Sunday, the Portuguese righted that wrong. Pauleta scored three minutes in and Portugal beat Angola 1-0 at Rhein-Energie-Stadion Sunday.

Despite the early goal, however, Angola gave an admirable effort. Angolan goalkeeper Joao Ricardo played superbly as he came up with several important saves. Angola’s attack, however, left much to be desired.

Luis Figo made a magnificent play to set up Portugal’s first goal. Figo took the ball outside the penalty area and charged at Angola defender Jamba. Figo flicked the ball past Jamba, ran past him and slipped the ball to the center of the area. Pauleta slammed the ball into the back of the net to give Portugal an early 1-0 lead.

Four years ago, Portugal was on the receiving end of an early goal in their World Cup opener. John O’Brien scored four minutes into the United States-Portugal match and the U.S. went on to win 3-2.

Portugal controlled a good portion of the possession throughout the remainder of the first half. Portugal, however, could do little to capitalize. Their best scoring chance came in 35th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo slammed a header off the crossbar.

Ronaldo again nearly doubled Portugal’s advantage when he combined with Miguel on a nifty combination on the stroke of halftime. Miguel slipped a pass to the top of the penalty area and Ronaldo fired a laser beam on goal. Ricardo, however, did well to stop the shot.

Mantorras had a late chance for Angola but his 15-yard shot on frame was easily stopped by Portugal keeper Ricardo.

Portugal
Ricardo; Ricardo Carvalho, Fernando Meira, Nuno Valente, Miguel; Simao Sabrosa, Petit (Maniche-71), Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo (Costinha-59), Tiago (Hugo Viana-82); Pauleta.

Angola
Joao Ricardo; Delgado, Kali, Jamba, Loco; Mateus, Figueiredo (Miloy-79), Andre, Mendonca, Ze Kalanga (Edson-69); Akwa (Mantorras-59).

Goals
Portugal – Pauleta 4

Discipline
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo (yellow card) 26
Angola – Jamba (yellow card) 28
Angola – Loco (yellow card) 48+
Angola – Andre (yellow card) 52
Portugal – Nuno Valenta (yellow card) 79

Attendance -- 45,000